bird cherry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Botanical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “bird cherry” mean?
A small tree or shrub (Prunus padus) native to Europe and northern Asia, bearing clusters of small white flowers and small, bitter black fruits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small tree or shrub (Prunus padus) native to Europe and northern Asia, bearing clusters of small white flowers and small, bitter black fruits.
The fruit of this tree, which is edible but astringent, often eaten by birds. Also used to refer to other related species with similar fruit, such as the North American Prunus virginiana (chokecherry).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'bird cherry' specifically refers to Prunus padus. In American English, the term is less common and may refer to Prunus virginiana (chokecherry) or be used as a general descriptor for wild cherries attractive to birds.
Connotations
UK: Slightly poetic or rural; associated with hedgerows and wildlife. US: Primarily a technical/botanical term; little cultural resonance.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, particularly in nature writing and gardening contexts. Rare in general American speech.
Grammar
How to Use “bird cherry” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] bird cherry [VERB] in the garden.We planted a bird cherry [PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bird cherry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The woodland is gradually bird-cherrying as these trees self-seed.
American English
- The area has been bird-cherried over the last decade.
adjective
British English
- We admired the bird-cherry blossom along the footpath.
American English
- The bird-cherry thicket provided excellent cover for wildlife.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in horticulture or landscaping supply.
Academic
Used in botany, ecology, and forestry papers.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used by gardeners, naturalists, or in descriptive writing.
Technical
Standard term in botanical classification and horticultural guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bird cherry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bird cherry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bird cherry”
- Using 'bird cherry' to refer to common sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium).
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is very astringent and bitter when raw. It is sometimes used in jams, syrups, or alcoholic beverages after processing.
They are different species. Bird cherry (Prunus padus) is native to Europe/N Asia. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is native to North America. They are closely related and look similar.
Yes, it is a hardy tree suitable for temperate climates. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Like many plants in the Prunus genus, the seeds (pits) contain compounds that can release cyanide when damaged. The flesh of the fruit is safe, but the seeds should not be consumed in quantity.
A small tree or shrub (Prunus padus) native to Europe and northern Asia, bearing clusters of small white flowers and small, bitter black fruits.
Bird cherry is usually formal, botanical, literary in register.
Bird cherry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːd ˌtʃɛri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːd ˌtʃɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BIRDS love the CHERRIES from this tree → BIRD CHERRY.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (primarily a concrete noun for a specific plant).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the name 'bird cherry'?