gooseberry

Definition

A fruit of species Ribes uva-crispa, related to the currant.

Etymology

From goose + berry. It is possible that the first element was originally something related to the gros- of French groseille and/or the kruis- of Dutch kruisbes but has been altered by folk etymology.

Example Sentences

• "We had a good haul of gooseberries from our bushes this year."
• "Robert and Susan were so in love with each other that nobody could go near them without feeling like a gooseberry."
• ""But," said Philippa dolefully, "if I go I'll have to be gooseberry, and that will be a new experience for Philippa Gordon.""