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DictionaryhawHawthorn fruit
noun

haw

The small fruit of a hawthorn tree or shrub.

Bright red haws hang from the hawthorn beside our gate.

Etymology
hawOld Englishhedge; enclosure

The older word names a hedge. The fruit name is associated with hawthorn, a thorny shrub commonly forming hedges, and identifies its small berry-like fruit.

More examples

  • Birds eat the haws that remain on the branches in winter.
  • We gather ripe haws to make jelly.
  • She finds a single haw beneath the tree.

Forms

haw · haws

hawthorn noun — A thorny tree or shrub bearing haws.

Similar words

berry
An everyday term for small fruits, not specifically hawthorn fruit.