Crabapple
/ˈkræbˌæp.əl/noun
A small, tart apple, especially one from a wild or ornamental apple tree.
Did you know?The first element is from Old English *crabba*? No—despite the look, “crab” here is from an older word meaning “sour” or “wild,” which is why crabapple has nothing to do with the sea creature.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
crabbe æppel
“a sour or wild apple”
Middle English
ME
crabbe-apple
“a small, tart apple”
16th Century
English
crabapple
“a sour apple or wild apple tree”
Modern English
English
crabapple
“the fruit or tree of a small, tart apple”