crab apple

American  

noun

1. a small, sour, wild apple.

2. any of various small, tart, cultivated varieties of apple, used for making jelly and preserves.

3. any tree bearing such fruit.

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crab apple British  

noun

1. any of several rosaceous trees of the genus Malus that have white, pink, or red flowers and small sour apple-like fruits

2. the fruit of any of these trees, used to make jam

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Etymology

Origin of crab apple

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

He pointed out crab apple blossoms, which made an appearance in dessert.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2022

The account shared a photo that some said was taken from a vantage point that neglected to show how the cherry blossom and crab apple trees were removed.

From Salon • Aug. 9, 2021

Allan noted that his current project, the red flesh apple, contains a single gene taken from a crab apple which increases its antioxidants.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2021

In the corner of a country garden, barely a mile from steep cliffs that overlook the sea, there's a newly planted crab apple tree.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2020

They stopped for a picnic at the side of a meadow, under a crab apple tree.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead