blueberry
A small, round, edible berry that is blue or purple in color, growing on a shrub of the genus Vaccinium. It is widely recognized as a 'superfood' due to its high concentration of antioxidants and nutrients.
Examples
3 of 5I usually add a handful of fresh blueberries to my morning bowl of oatmeal.
I typically put some small blue berries into my breakfast porridge.
The researchers monitored the effects of daily blueberry consumption on the participants' memory retention.
Scientists observed how eating these berries every day influenced how well people remembered things.
Our quarterly report shows a significant increase in the demand for frozen blueberry exports.
The company's three-month update indicates more people want to buy our exported frozen berries.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Blue Berry'—it is one of the only fruits in nature that is truly blue on the outside.
Quick Quiz
For a healthy snack, I added some _____ to my smoothie.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blueberries
Examples
I usually add a handful of fresh blueberries to my morning bowl of oatmeal.
everydayI typically put some small blue berries into my breakfast porridge.
The researchers monitored the effects of daily blueberry consumption on the participants' memory retention.
academicScientists observed how eating these berries every day influenced how well people remembered things.
Our quarterly report shows a significant increase in the demand for frozen blueberry exports.
businessThe company's three-month update indicates more people want to buy our exported frozen berries.
The committee respectfully requests that fresh blueberries be served during the luncheon.
formalThe official group asks that these berries be provided during the formal midday meal.
Can you grab some blueberries from the fridge? I'm craving something sweet.
informalWould you mind getting the berries from the refrigerator? I want a sugary snack.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
as blue as a blueberry
describing something with a very deep, dark blue or purple hue
blueberry hill
a common cultural reference to a place of nostalgia or romance
to go blueberrying
the act of going out to pick wild blueberries
Often Confused With
Huckleberries have larger, harder seeds and are usually more tart, whereas blueberries have tiny seeds and are sweeter.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used as a countable noun when referring to the individual fruits, but it functions as a noun adjunct (adjective-like) in compound nouns like 'blueberry pie' or 'blueberry jam'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that the plural form requires changing the 'y' to 'ies' (blueberries). Additionally, they may confuse them with 'bilberries', which look similar but are darker on the inside.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Blue Berry'—it is one of the only fruits in nature that is truly blue on the outside.
Word Origin
From the Middle English 'bleu' (blue) and 'berye' (berry), referring to the fruit's distinct color.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Blueberries are native to North America and are a quintessential part of American summer culture and breakfast traditions.
Quick Quiz
For a healthy snack, I added some _____ to my smoothie.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blueberries
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