Definition of mulberry

The word "mulberry" has its origins in Old French, where it was known as "mûre" or "mures". This term was derived from the Latin "murus", meaning "wall", likely due to the silkworm's habit of feeding on the leaves of mulberry trees and spinning its cocoons on the trunk or branches. The Latin "murus" was also connected to the idea of enclosure or protection, which may have influenced the French and English adoptations of the word. The word "mulberry" was first recorded in English in the 14th century, with the Middle English form "murbri" or "murbery". Over time, the spelling evolved into the modern "mulberry". Today, the word refers not only to the fruit-bearing tree but also to the berries themselves, which are often used in jams, preserves, and other culinary delights.