raspberry

American  

[raz-ber-ee, -buh-ree, rahz-] / ˈræzˌbɛr i, -bə ri, ˈrɑz- /

noun

plural

raspberries

1. the fruit of any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Rubus, of the rose family, consisting of small and juicy red, black, or pale yellow drupelets forming a detachable cap about a convex receptacle.

2. any shrub bearing this fruit.

3. a dark reddish-purple color.

4. Informal.

   1. Bronx cheer.

   2. any sign or expression of dislike or derision.

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raspberry British  

/ ˈrɑːzbərɪ, -brɪ /

noun

1. any of the prickly shrubs of the rosaceous genus Rubus , such as R. strigosus of E North America and R. idaeus of Europe, that have pinkish-white flowers and typically red berry-like fruits (drupelets) See also bramble

2. 1. the fruit of any such plant

   2. ( as modifier )

      raspberry jelly

3. Popular name: blackcap. 

   1. a related plant, Rubus occidentalis , of E North America, that has black berry-like fruits

   2. the fruit of this plant

4. 1. a dark purplish-red colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a raspberry dress

5. a spluttering noise made with the tongue and lips to express contempt (esp in the phrase blow a raspberry )

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Etymology

Origin of raspberry

1615–25; earlier rasp(is) raspberry (< ?) + berry; raspberry ( def. 4 ) by shortening of raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart

Explanation

A raspberry is a prickly shrub-like plant that grows small, sweet, red fruit also called raspberries. Look closely at a raspberry and you'll see it's made up of many tiny connected globes. Raspberries are a popular flavor in jam, pie, syrup, and many other delicious products. While they're often red, you can also find black raspberries and even pale, golden-colored raspberries. If someone gives you a raspberry, it doesn't necessarily mean a tiny piece of fruit — they may be making a rude sound in your direction, also known as a raspberry.

Example Sentences

The seeds also mimic the flavors of raspberry or strawberry seeds, adding a subtle yet stylish touch to their individual fruit jams.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Bright yellow T-shirts reading, in raspberry type, “¡Bienvenido Gustavo!” marked Gustavo Dudamel’s first concert as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic the first Saturday afternoon of October 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

We don’t have raspberry receptors on the tongue, nor is raspberry flavor some combination of sweet, sour and bitter.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

“What about this expired raspberry tea you’ve been hiding behind the honey?” she asks, moving onto the cupboard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

“I'll take this now to Bryn,” she said."Add a raspberry leaf or two to the soup. And some of that sorrel from the garden. It'll give flavor," she added.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry