Langimage
English
X IconPostLine IconShare

blackthorn

|black/thorn|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈblækˌθɔrn/

🇬🇧

/ˈblækˌθɔːn/

thorny shrub with dark fruits

Etymology
Etymology Information

'blackthorn' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'blæc' meaning 'black' and 'thorn' meaning 'thorny bush'.

Historical Evolution

'blæcþorn' in Old English transformed into 'blackthorn' in modern English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to any thorny bush with dark fruits, but now it specifically refers to the Prunus spinosa species.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a thorny shrub or small tree of the rose family, native to Europe, with white flowers and small dark blue fruits.

The blackthorn blooms in early spring.

Synonyms

sloeprunus spinosa

Examples

Check in Movies
Check on YouTube
X IconCheck on X

Idioms

a blackthorn winter

Last updated: 2025/03/05 05:10