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Definition of blackthorn
blackthorn
/ˈblæk.θɔːrn/
black · thorn
Plural:blackthorns
blackthorn Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
blackthorn Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
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WWF
Wordle Guess
• 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
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 Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/blackthorn