ground cherry

American  

noun

1. Also called husk tomato.  any of several plants belonging to the genus Physalis, of the nightshade family, the several species bearing an edible berry enclosed in an enlarged calyx.

2. any of several European dwarf cherries, especially Prunus fruticosa, of the rose family.

3. the fruit of any of these plants.

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ground cherry British  

noun

1. any of various American solanaceous plants of the genus Physalis, esp P. pubescens, having round fleshy fruit enclosed in a bladder-like husk See also winter cherry gooseberry

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Etymology

Origin of ground cherry

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

A first course of kampachi arrived dressed with arctic char roe, ground cherry, serrano, ponzu, and cucumber — buttery and delicate, with a bright, precise balance that lingered just long enough.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026

The dough in these traditional Lebanese dumplings is already super-intriguing, as it's made with ground cherry pits.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2021

Colorado potato beetles, for example, feeds on other nightshade plants: eggplant, pepper, tomato, ground cherry, and tomatillo.

From Salon • Aug. 8, 2021

Slender racemes of this species are found blooming in dry or rocky woods from the Mississippi eastward, from May to July, by which time the ground cherry is ready to provide for the bee's wants.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje