Gooseberry

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈɡusËŒbɛɹi/
• UK IPA: /ˈɡuːsb(É™)ɹi/ also IPA: /ˈɡʊzb(É™)ɹi/

Origin

From goose + berry. It is possible that the first element was originally something related to the gros- of French groseille and/or the kruis- of Dutch kruisbes but has been altered by folk etymology.

Full definition of gooseberry

Noun

1. A fruit closely related to the currant.We had a good haul of gooseberries from our tree this year.
2. Any of several other unrelated fruits, such as the Chinese gooseberry (kiwifruit) and the Indian gooseberry (amla).
3. (chiefly British) An additional person who is neither necessary nor wanted in a given situation.
• 1915, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of the Island, Chapter VI:"But," said Philippa dolefully, "if I go I'll have to be gooseberry, and that will be a new experience for Philippa Gordon.""Well, new experiences are broadening. Come along, and you'll be able to sympathize with all poor souls who have to play gooseberry often.
4. Robert and Susan were so in love with each other that nobody could go near them without feeling like a gooseberry.

Synonyms

• (fruit - UK informal) goosegog
• (additional person) third wheel, fifth wheel

Derived terms

• gooseberry rust