“Berries” or “Buries”—Which to use?

“Berries” or “Buries”

Overview

berries / buries are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

berries: (noun) any of numerous small and pulpy edible fruits; used as desserts or in making jams and jellies and preserves. (noun) a small fruit having any of various structures, e.g., simple (grape or blueberry) or aggregate (blackberry or raspberry). (noun) United States rock singer (born in 1931). (verb) pick or gather berries.

buries: (verb) cover from sight. (verb) place in a grave or tomb. (verb) place in the earth and cover with soil. (verb) embed deeply.

Pronunciation

berries: b·EH·r·iy·z

buries: b·EH·r·iy·z

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Examples in Context

Examples of “berries”

…in small flocks on seeds, berries and termites.
…its wide use of wild berries and mushrooms and this foraging…
Ingestion of over 20 berries may be fatal to children.
It feeds on nuts, berries, flower buds, flowers, seeds and
…bread, sometimes flavoured with fruit, berries, raisins or birch sap; it…
…barley, potatoes, rye, beets, greens, berries, and mushrooms are locally grown,…
…although often referred to as berries, are technically drupes.
…Door," Mickey Newbury's "Poison Red Berries," and Billy Joe Shaver's "Texas…
…cinnamon, cherries, linden blossoms, juniper berries, and hops.
Holly berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Examples of “buries”

Frederick buries Miranda's corpse under an oak…
It often buries itself a few centimeters deep…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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