English Reference

Word

blueberry

Phoneticsblue·ber·ry, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈbɫuˌbɛɹi/

UK/blˈuːbɛɹi/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a small, round, blue or purple fruit that grows on a bush. It is sweet and often used in muffins or pancakes.

n. a small, edible, glaucous-blue berry produced by various species of the genus Vaccinium. Used in the singular for individual fruits and in the plural or as a quantity in culinary contexts.

Examples

“I like to put a fresh blueberry on top of my yogurt.”

“The recipe calls for a cup of frozen blueberries, but fresh ones work better if they are in season.”

“Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, the blueberry has transitioned from a wild-foraged seasonal treat to a staple of the global health-food market.”

Examples

simple

“I like to put a fresh blueberry on top of my yogurt.”

contextual

“The recipe calls for a cup of frozen blueberries, but fresh ones work better if they are in season.”

complex

“Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, the blueberry has transitioned from a wild-foraged seasonal treat to a staple of the global health-food market.”

Usage

Commonly used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'blueberry muffin' or 'blueberry pie'.

Etymology

From blue + berry.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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