bayberries
|bay-ber-ries|
/ˈbeɪbəriːz/ or /ˈbeɪbəriz/
(bayberry)
aromatic shrub and its wax
Etymology
'bayberry' originates from English, specifically the compound 'bay' + 'berry' (literally the berry of a 'bay' shrub).
'bayberry' appeared in Middle English as a compound similar to 'bayberie' and eventually became the modern English word 'bayberry'.
Initially, it meant 'the berries of the bay (shrub)', and over time the term has retained that basic meaning while also referring to products (wax, scented candles) made from those berries.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'bayberry'.
Bayberries were gathered to make scented candles.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the small, often waxy, aromatic berries produced by bayberry shrubs (genus Myrica); these berries have been used historically for making bayberry wax, scented candles, and as a source of fragrance.
Local artisans used bayberries to produce a fragrant wax for the holiday candles.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/01 08:32