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Definition of blackthorn

blackthorn

/ˈblæk.θɔːrn/
black · thorn
Plural:blackthorns
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blackthorn Lexical Profile

blackthorn Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A dense, thorny Eurasian shrub of the rose family (Prunus spinosa) that features dark bark, blooms with white flowers before its leaves emerge, and produces highly astringent blue-black fruits called sloes.

Example

"The farmer planted a thick hedge of blackthorn to provide a natural barrier for the livestock."

2

Irish A traditional walking stick or cudgel made from the stout, knotty wood of the blackthorn shrub.

Example

"He walked the rugged coastal path leaning heavily on a polished blackthorn given to him by his grandfather."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for blackthorn

• Nearby Words

blacksmithing
blacksnake
blackspot
blackthorn
blacktip shark
blacktop
blackwater

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'blæcþorn', a compound of 'blæc' (black) and 'þorn' (thorn), so named for the distinctive dark color of its bark in winter.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Blackthorn. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/blackthorn
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