cherry

¹

[cher-ee]

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.

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

[cher-ee]

noun

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

cherry

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• cherry-like adjective
• cherrylike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherry¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherry¹

C14: back formation from Old English ciris (mistakenly thought to be plural), ultimately from Late Latin ceresia, perhaps from Latin cerasus cherry tree, from Greek kerasios

Example Sentences

Mediterranean Loaded Fries: Crispy fries topped with garlicky tahini drizzle, roasted chickpeas, crumbled feta, chopped olives, cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

From Salon

Without hesitation, I tried a few flavors before settling on cherry, carefully scooped into a wax-coated disposable cup.

From Salon

People have been pictured using cherry pickers and ladders to fly the flags as high as possible.

From BBC

Sabrina Carpenter has a whole line of sugary dessert scents from caramel to cherry inspired.

From Salon

It doesn’t flirt like a tomato or shimmer like a cherry on its stem.

From Salon

Related Words

• chaste 
• pure 
• untouched 
• virginal 
• virtuous