bayberry

[ bey-ber-ee, -buh-ree ]

noun

, plural bay·ber·ries.

1. any of several often aromatic trees or shrubs of the genus Myrica, as M. pensylvanica, of northeastern North America, and M. californica, of the western U.S. Compare wax myrtle.
2. the berry of such a plant.
3. bay ⁴( def 2 ).

bayberry

/ ˈbeɪbərɪ /

noun

1. any of several North American aromatic shrubs or small trees of the genus Myrica , that bear grey waxy berries: family Myricaceae See also wax myrtle
2. Also calledbay rum tree a tropical American myrtaceous tree, Pimenta racemosa , that yields an oil used in making bay rum
3. the fruit of any of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of bayberry¹

First recorded in 1570–80; bay ⁴ + berry

Example Sentences

I conveyed the bayberry wax to Abb de Chalut, with your compliments, as you desired.

From Project Gutenberg

He cantered away into the shrub-oaks and bayberry-bushes which chanced to grow there, but were hardly high enough to conceal him.

From Project Gutenberg

The darkness fell fast, and the supper dishes had to be put under some bayberry bushes until morning.

From Project Gutenberg

Evidently, by colonial time, twilight was coming on; for now the fragrant bayberry candles were lighted.

From Project Gutenberg

The green bayberry candles grew dim, and in their fragrant smoke the old colonials faded away.

From Project Gutenberg