inkberry

[ ingk-ber-ee, -buh-ree ]

noun

, plural ink·ber·ries.

1. Also called gallberry. a shrub, Ilex glabra, having leathery, evergreen leaves and black berries.
2. the pokeweed.
3. the berry of either plant.

inkberry

/ ˈɪŋkˌbɛrɪ /

noun

1. a North American holly tree, Ilex glabra, with black berry-like fruits
2. See pokeweed
   another name for the pokeweed
3. the fruit of either of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of inkberry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1755–65; ink + berry

Example Sentences

The name inkberry was given to the plant because of the strong stain of the berry juice which was sometimes used for ink.

From Project Gutenberg

These nests were in dense inkberry brush approximately five feet above the ground.

From Project Gutenberg