filbert

[fil-bert]

noun

1. the thick-shelled, edible nut of certain cultivated varieties of hazel, especially of Corylus avellana, of Europe.

2. a tree or shrub bearing such nuts.

filbert

/ ˈfɪlbət /

noun

1. any of several N temperate shrubs of the genus Corylus , esp C. maxima , that have edible rounded brown nuts: family Corylaceae

2. Also called: hazelnut.  cobnut. the nut of any of these shrubs

Word History and Origins

Origin of filbert¹

1250–1300; Middle English, short for filbert nut, so called because ripe by Aug. 22 (St. Philbert's day)

Word History and Origins

Origin of filbert¹

C14: named after St Philbert , 7th-century Frankish abbot, because the nuts are ripe around his feast day, Aug 22

Example Sentences

Toss another log of cherry wood on the fire, and sit back with a plate of Stilton and toasted filberts.

Read more on Seattle Times

A collection of twisted, sturdy-looking contorted filbert branches stands under one of the few original trees on the property — a towering, thick deodar cedar.

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Bertha bit into a filbert, then raced into the kitchen, retching.

Read more on Nature

NAPA, Calif. — Gig the truffle dog zigzags with her nose to the ground among hundreds of oak and filbert trees.

Read more on New York Times

Some of us also called her Fil, as in filbert, which everyone knows is the least desirable nut.

Read more on Salon