pokeberry

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

noun

, plural poke·ber·ries.

1. the berry of the pokeweed.
2. the plant.

pokeberry

/ ˈpəʊkbərɪ /

noun

1. Also calledinkberry the berry of the pokeweed
2. another name for the pokeweed

Word History and Origins

Origin of pokeberry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1765–75; poke ⁴ + berry

Example Sentences

It wore a gay pink calico dress, and its cheeks were stained red with pokeberry juice.

From Project Gutenberg

Sassafras yielded its savory roots for tea and tonics, and the purplish red pokeberry supplied a valuable blood purifier.

From Project Gutenberg

August 30: Three large clusters of the fruits of pokeberry (Phytolacca americana).

From Project Gutenberg

His color is peculiar, and looks as if it might have been imparted by dipping a brown bird in diluted pokeberry juice.

From Project Gutenberg

As he spoke, he went to the tall chest of drawers and took out paper, a bottle of pokeberry ink, and a bunch of quills.

From Project Gutenberg