saskatoon

¹ American  

[sas-kuh-toon] / ˌsæs kəˈtun /

noun

Canadian.

1. any of several shad bushes, especially the serviceberry, Amelanchier canadensis.

2. the berry of these bushes.

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Saskatoon ² American  

[sas-kuh-toon] / ˌsæs kəˈtun /

noun

1. a city in S Saskatchewan, in SW Canada.

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Saskatoon ¹ British  

/ ˌsæskəˈtuːn /

noun

1. a city in W Canada, in S Saskatchewan on the South Saskatchewan River: oil refining; university (1907). Pop: 196 816 (2001)

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saskatoon ² British  

/ ˌsæskəˈtuːn /

noun

1. a species of serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia, of W Canada: noted for its succulent purplish berries

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Etymology

Origin of saskatoon

1790–1800; < Cree misa·skwato·min saskatoon berry, derivative of misa·skwat saskatoon bush (literally, that which is solid wood), with -min berry

Example Sentences

The Fab Five feasted on plants gathered in season from the wild — skunk cabbage, saskatoon berries and dandelions — plus fish, moose and deer.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 26, 2021

After an interminable, jolting drive, windrows of saskatoon bushes and blueberries announced the beginning of the farm, then a potato field, then the first glimpse of a long log house surrounded by white trailers.

From New York Times • Jul. 31, 2020

An equity firm eventually took the bait and Purdy’s company, Prairie Berries, has grown into one of the largest saskatoon berry producers in Canada.

From Time • Aug. 21, 2014

His prediction: “The saskatoon berry will be offered as an alternative to the blueberry.”

From Time • Aug. 21, 2014

"The Canadian papers are unanimous that the German peace proposals are premature, and will be refused saskatoon."

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 152, February 14, 1917 by Seaman, Owen, Sir