goose
be
rry
Plural
gooseberries
1
a small yellowish-green or red fruit with a sharp flavor, growing on thorny bushes
Gooseberry is a small, round berry with a tart and slightly sweet flavor. They are usually green or red in color and have smooth or slightly fuzzy skin. Gooseberries are known for their vibrant and refreshing taste, making them a popular ingredient in jams, pies, desserts, and sauces. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and their unique flavor adds a delightful tanginess to a variety of dishes. Whether eaten fresh, cooked, or preserved, gooseberries offer a burst of flavor that is both tart and satisfying.
- Gooseberry pie is a classic summer dessert that is both sweet and tangy.
- Grandma's gooseberry crumble is always a hit at family gatherings.
- She picked fresh gooseberries from the garden to make a tangy and sweet gooseberry jam.
- Gooseberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a nutritious addition to fruit salads and desserts.
- The tartness of gooseberries pairs well with sweet desserts like crumbles and cobblers.
2
a spiny Eurasian shrub producing ovoid berries that are yellow-green, red, or purple, and greenish-purple tinged flowers
- The garden grew several gooseberry shrubs.
- Gooseberry plants have small spines along their stems.
- Each gooseberry shrub produces clusters of tart berries.
- The flowers of the gooseberry plant are greenish with a purple tinge.
- Gooseberries ripen in midsummer.
3
someone who feels like an awkward or unwanted presence in a situation, especially in a romantic one
The origin of the idiom "gooseberry" as used to describe a third person in the company of two people, especially lovers, who would prefer to be alone, is not definitively documented. However, it is believed to have originated in British slang, possibly dating back to the 19th or early 20th century. The exact origins may be obscure, but the term is often used humorously to describe the feeling of being an awkward or unwanted presence in a romantic setting.
- During the candlelit dinner, Sarah felt like a gooseberry as she sat awkwardly between her sister and her sister's boyfriend, who were lost in their own world.
- John didn't realize he would be a gooseberry on the movie date until he found himself sitting alone in the back while his friends cuddled in the front row.
- As they strolled through the park, Mark couldn't shake the feeling of being a gooseberry as his friends held hands and shared affectionate glances.
- When Emma joined her friends for a beach day, she quickly realized she was the gooseberry as they cozied up together under the sun while she sat alone, feeling out of place.