Strawberry
/ˈstrɔːˌbɛr.i/noun
A small red fruit with tiny seeds on its surface, produced by a low-growing plant.
Did you know?The name is recorded in Old English, although scholars debate whether “straw” described the plant’s straw-like runners, its traditional mulch, or the way the berries were strewn across the ground.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*strew-
“To spread, scatter, or strew across a surface; a proposed root behind the “straw” element.”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*strawjaną
“To strew or spread; the probable ancestral verb connected with English “straw.””
Old English
Old English
streawberige
“Strawberry; literally a compound of “straw” and “berry.””
Middle English
Middle English
strawberie
“The edible red fruit of the strawberry plant.”
15th Century
English
strawberry
“The modern compound form becomes established in English.”
Modern English
English
strawberry
“A red, sweet fruit commonly eaten fresh or used in desserts.”