chokecherry

[ chohk-cher-ee ]

noun

, Chiefly Northern U.S.

, plural choke·cher·ries.

1. any of several cherries, especially Prunus virginiana, of North America, that bear an astringent fruit.
2. the fruit itself.

chokecherry

/ ˈtʃəʊkˌtʃɛrɪ /

noun

1. any of several North American species of cherry, esp Prunus virginiana, having very astringent dark red or black fruit
2. the fruit of any of these trees

Word History and Origins

Origin of chokecherry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; choke + cherry

Example Sentences

The wild black cherry is the most noxious species, and the chokecherry is not far behind it.

From Project Gutenberg

There were some chokecherry bushes higher than her head, and there were other bushes that did not look particularly enlivening.

From Project Gutenberg

The surrounding trees were mountain mahogany and chokecherry.

From Project Gutenberg

There are two species of gooseberry here, but neither of them yet ripe: nor are the chokecherry, though in great quantities.

From Project Gutenberg

Opposite the schoolhouse was a little copse of chokecherry bushes, and we stepped in among them to watch.

From Project Gutenberg