checkerberry

American  

[chek-er-ber-ee] / ˈtʃɛk ərˌbɛr i /

noun

plural

checkerberries

1. the red fruit of the American wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens.

2. the plant itself.

3. any of several other plants bearing similar fruit, or the fruit itself.

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checkerberry British  

/ -brɪ, ˈtʃɛkəbərɪ /

noun

1. the fruit of any of various plants, esp the wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens )

2. any plant bearing this fruit

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Etymology

Origin of checkerberry

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; perhaps so named from its appearance

Example Sentences

There was a twisted red-and-white stick of peppermint, pink checkerberry, clear barley—a stick of every kind in the glass jars in Mr. Rose's store window.

From Young Lucretia and Other Stories by Freeman, Mary Eleanor Wilkins

"Best checkerberry in the State of Maine; cent apiece!" and he held out two sticks.

From The Wooing of Calvin Parks by Richards, Laura Elizabeth Howe

"But, Aileen, won't you stay to supper?" said the twins at one and the same time; "we always have you to celebrate our checkerberry picnic."

From Flamsted quarries by Nelson, G. Patrick

Both boys breathed deep of the piney fragrance and filled their mouths with pungent "checkerberry" leaves.

From Still Jim by Morrow, Honoré

Mrs. Pike was not near, would give him a checkerberry lozenge.

From Nautilus by Richards, Laura Elizabeth Howe