Meaning
Any of many plants with thorny stems growing in dense clusters, such as many in the Rosa, Rubus, and Smilax genera.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
From Middle English brere, from Old English brēr [Old Mercian], brǣr (“briar, bramble”); further origin unknown, perhaps related to Old French bruiere (“heather”) (French bruyère). Compare Old Norse brǫrr (“briar”), whence Icelandic brörr.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sweetbriersweetbriarbriereglantinebullbriergreenbriercatbrieradherentadhesivebarnacle
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 17 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-08-01RABCIKT
- 2026-04-17RNAMDBI
- 2026-03-24IABRTUY
- 2025-11-12IATNBRV
- 2025-08-24BATLIRY
- 2025-08-14IARDBHT
- 2025-07-31BANILGR
- 2025-06-29RANGBIV
- 2025-02-15BRALIDJ
- 2024-06-30BARNIOW
- 2024-05-31ABVTROI
- 2023-11-28BAGINRV
+5 earlier appearances in the archive.