Definition

A type of thorny shrub found in Europe that produces small, dark fruits and white flowers, often used to flavor drinks like sloe gin.

Example

The blackthorn bushes were full of white blossoms in the spring.

Conversation

Have you ever tried making drinks with blackthorn berries?

No, I haven't! What do you make with them?

You can use them to flavor sloe gin, and it’s really delicious.

That sounds awesome! I’d love to try a sloe gin cocktail.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Blackthorn is formed from "black" (from Old English "blæc", meaning dark or without light) and "thorn" (from Old English "þorn", meaning a thorny plant). The word "blackthorn" refers to a thorny shrub that has dark-colored branches and fruits.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'black' meaning dark and 'thorn' referring to a thorny plant — together, they describe a dark, thorny shrub.

Visually Confused Words