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Definition of kerrybush
kerrybush
/ˈkɛriˌbʊʃ/
ker · ry · bush
Plural:kerrybushes
kerrybush Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
South African A shrub or small tree native to southern Africa, notable for producing hard, resilient wood that is traditionally harvested to make kerries (knobkerries or wooden walking clubs).
Example
"The local craftsmen harvested straight branches from the kerrybush to carve durable walking sticks."
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the South African term 'kerry' (an Anglicized spelling of the Afrikaans/Khoisan 'kierie', meaning a knobkerrie or wooden club) combined with 'bush'. The name refers to southern African shrubs or small trees whose hard, dense wood was traditionally used to craft these sticks.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kerrybush. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kerrybush