cranberry

American  

[kran-ber-ee, -buh-ree] / ˈkrænˌbɛr i, -bə ri /

noun

plural

cranberries

1. the red, acid fruit or berry of certain plants of the genus Vaccinium, of the heath family, as V. macrocarpon large cranberry, or American cranberry or V. oxycoccus small cranberry, or European cranberry, used in making sauce, relish, jelly, or juice.

2. the plant itself, growing wild in bogs or cultivated in acid soils, especially in the northeastern U.S.

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cranberry British  

/ -brɪ, ˈkrænbərɪ /

noun

1. any of several trailing ericaceous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium, such as the European V. oxycoccus, that bear sour edible red berries

2. the berry of this plant, used to make sauce or jelly

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Etymology

Origin of cranberry

An Americanism dating back to 1640–50; from Low German kraanbere; crane, berry

Compare meaning

How does cranberry compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lingonberry vs. cranberry

Example Sentences

To attract increasingly discerning consumers, Kroger has offered a precooked holiday meal for eight of turkey or ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry and gravy for about $11 a person.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

Alongside the usual essentials, it will be asking for items such as custard, cranberry sauce and gravy.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2025

Observers typically indulge in a hearty meal with staples such as turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

From Barron's • Nov. 27, 2025

I like my cranberry sauce on the thicker side; no one wants to risk dripping bright red juice on their holiday sweater.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

“Really? If I hear about cranberry pudding one more time, I’ll go crazy,” I said, smiling.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys