cherry

¹ American  

[cher-ee] / ˈtʃɛr i /

noun

plural

cherries

1. the fruit of any of various trees belonging to the genus Prunus, of the rose family, consisting of a pulpy, globular drupe enclosing a one-seeded smooth stone.

2. the tree bearing such a fruit.

3. the wood of such a tree.

4. any of various fruits or plants resembling the cherry.

5. bright red; cerise.

6. Slang: Often Vulgar.

   1. the hymen.

   2. the state of virginity.

7. Slang.

   1. something new or unused.

   2. a novice.

8. Underworld Slang. a first offender.

9. Bowling. the striking down of only the forward pin or pins in attempting to make a spare.

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adjective

1. bright-red; cerise.

2. (of food and beverages) made with or containing cherries or cherrylike flavoring.

   cherry pie; cherry soda.

3. (of furniture, woodwork, etc.) made of or covered or decorated with wood from the cherry tree.

4. Slang: Often Vulgar. being a virgin.

5. Slang.

   1. new or unused.

      a three-year-old car in cherry condition.

   2. inexperienced; being an innocent novice.

Cherry ² American  

[cher-ee] / ˈtʃɛr i /

noun

1. Donald Eugene Don, 1936–95, U.S. jazz trumpeter.

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cherry British  

/ ˈtʃɛrɪ /

noun

1. any of several trees of the rosaceous genus Prunus, such as P. avium ( sweet cherry ), having a small fleshy rounded fruit containing a hard stone See also bird cherry

2. the fruit or wood of any of these trees

3. any of various unrelated plants, such as the ground cherry and Jerusalem cherry

4. 1. a bright red colour; cerise

   2. ( as adjective )

      a cherry coat

5. slang virginity or the hymen as its symbol

6. (modifier) of or relating to the cherry fruit or wood

   cherry tart

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Other Word Forms

• cherry-like adjective
• cherrylike adjective

Etymology

Origin of cherry

1300–50; Middle English cheri variant of chirie, back formation from Old English ciris- (taken for plural) ≪ Vulgar Latin *ceresium for *cerasium ( Latin cerasum ) < Greek kerásion cherry

Example Sentences

The cherry on top for Sunday will be reggaeton star Karol G, the first Latina to headline the festival.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

In 2025, Wet Leg returned with a new look, an improved sound, and a sophomore album, “Moisturizer,” as a cherry on top.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Other impressive features on the grounds include a saltwater pool; vegetable gardens; a wildflower meadow; an orchard of cherry, apple, and peach trees; and a sports court—ideal for Paul’s training.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

It was spring, and I kept telling myself I would drive down to Washington one weekend to see the cherry blossoms.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

It was a warm spring morning with bright blue skies, and the cherry trees on the National Mall were bursting with pink blossoms.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• chaste
• pure
• untouched
• virginal
• virtuous