huckleberry

[huhk-uh l-ber-ee] /ˈhʌk əlˌbɛr i/
noun, plural huckleberries.
1.
the dark-blue or black edible berry of any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Gaylussacia of the heath family.
2.
a shrub bearing such fruit.
3.
blueberry (def 1).
Origin
1660-70, Americanism; perhaps alteration of hurtleberry
Examples from the web for huckleberry
  • Evergreen huckleberry is an elegant, much-branched, evergreen shrub with attractive leaves.
  • The meal includes eggs, ham, potatoes and pancakes served with huckleberry syrup.
  • huckleberry picking can be enjoyed as a solitary experience or as a group activity for the entire family.
British Dictionary definitions for huckleberry

huckleberry

/ˈhʌkəlˌbɛrɪ/
noun (pl) -ries
1.
any American ericaceous shrub of the genus Gaylussacia, having edible dark blue berries with large seeds
2.
the fruit of any of these shrubs
3.
another name for blueberry
4.
a Brit name for whortleberry (sense 1)
Word Origin
C17: probably a variant of hurtleberry, of unknown origin
Word Origin and History for huckleberry
n.

1660s, American English, probably an alteration of Middle English hurtilbery "whortleberry" (15c.), from Old English horte "whortleberry." Technically the fruit and plant of Gaylussacia, but also widely colloquially applied to the closely related blueberry (Vaccinium). Slang meaning "person of little consequence" is attested from 1835.

Slang definitions & phrases for huckleberry

huckleberry

noun
  1. A man; fellow; guy: Well, I'm your huckleberry, Mr Haney (1883+)
  2. A sweet, agreeable person, hence sometimes a dupe •A very mild and affectionate insult (1895+ Students)