raspberry

American  

[raz-ber-ee, -buh-ree, rahz-] / ˈræzˌbɛr i, -bə ri, ˈrɑz- /

noun

• raspberries
  plural

1. the fruit of any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Rubus, of the rose family, consisting of small and juicy red, black, or pale yellow drupelets forming a detachable cap about a convex receptacle.

2. any shrub bearing this fruit.

3. a dark reddish-purple color.

4. Informal.

   1. Bronx cheer.

   2. any sign or expression of dislike or derision.

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raspberry British  

/ ˈrɑːzbərɪ, -brɪ /

noun

1. any of the prickly shrubs of the rosaceous genus Rubus , such as R. strigosus of E North America and R. idaeus of Europe, that have pinkish-white flowers and typically red berry-like fruits (drupelets) See also bramble

2. 1. the fruit of any such plant

   2. ( as modifier )

      raspberry jelly

3. Popular name: blackcap. 

   1. a related plant, Rubus occidentalis , of E North America, that has black berry-like fruits

   2. the fruit of this plant

4. 1. a dark purplish-red colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a raspberry dress

5. a spluttering noise made with the tongue and lips to express contempt (esp in the phrase blow a raspberry )

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• raspberries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of raspberry

1615–25; earlier rasp(is) raspberry (< ?) + berry; raspberry ( def. 4 ) by shortening of raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart

Explanation

A raspberry is a prickly shrub-like plant that grows small, sweet, red fruit also called raspberries. Look closely at a raspberry and you'll see it's made up of many tiny connected globes. Raspberries are a popular flavor in jam, pie, syrup, and many other delicious products. While they're often red, you can also find black raspberries and even pale, golden-colored raspberries. If someone gives you a raspberry, it doesn't necessarily mean a tiny piece of fruit — they may be making a rude sound in your direction, also known as a raspberry.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

raspberry raspberries

Vibrant and intense, but light on the palate, with complex flavors and aromas of purple flowers, dried herbs, baking spices, raspberry and cranberry.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

It roils with observations about teamwork, inequality and success, but presents as a spangled, stoner-comedy extravaganza with the moxie to give a Monty Python-esque raspberry to realism.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

Plaid Cymru is represented by a mojito, the Conservatives by a raspberry daquiri, Reform by an espresso martini, the Greens by a pina colada, and the Lib Dems by an Irn-Bru vodka martini.

From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2026

The seeds also mimic the flavors of raspberry or strawberry seeds, adding a subtle yet stylish touch to their individual fruit jams.

From Salon ● Mar. 31, 2026

The setting sun seemed to have ladled its syrupy light over the crusted snow, so that ordinary house parts and backyards in this fading moment seemed a spectacular raspberry dessert.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli

Same with precut or packaged lettuce, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions.

From Salon ● Jul. 25, 2026

One of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreaks in North America was linked, through data collection from clinicians and laboratories, to imported raspberries from an estimated five Guatemalan farms in 1996.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

Previous outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, snow peas and fresh herbs, among other produce.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

In the past, foods including bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions have been linked to cyclosporiasis.

From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026

The Baudelaire orphans hadn’t had raspberries since their parents died, although they were extremely fond of them.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket