mirtillo
/mirˈtil.lo/masculine
The Italian word for blueberry is mirtillo.
mirtillo is used to refer to the blueberry fruit as a noun. In many culinary contexts, you may also encounter the phrase mirtilli neri to specifically distinguish blueberries from other similar berries like bilberries.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mirtillo can refer to the fruit generally, mirtilli neri is a common way to specifically identify blueberries in a culinary setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is mirtillo, and the plural form is mirtilli.
How do you pronounce it?
mirtillo is pronounced /mirˈtil.lo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While mirtillo is the general term, Italians often distinguish between mirtillo nero (the common blueberry) and mirtillo rosso, which refers to the cranberry.
- The word mirtillo shares the same root as the English word 'myrtle', a plant traditionally associated with love and immortality in ancient Mediterranean cultures.
- In traditional Italian folk medicine, mirtillo extracts were historically used as a remedy for inflammation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
Examples in context
- Quando è la stagione del mirtillo?When is blueberry season?This sentence is useful for asking about the seasonal availability of mirtillo.Tatoeba #10763479 by Bethanielle, translation #3022188 by sharptoothed
- Questo dolce contiene deliziosi mirtilli.This dessert contains delicious blueberries.
- Il mirtillo selvatico è noto per le sue proprietà antiossidanti.Wild blueberry is known for its antioxidant properties.
- Voglio la torta ai mirtilli!I want the blueberry tart!
- Posso avere una crostata ai mirtilli, per favore?Can I have a blueberry tart, please?
- Sto cercando una ricetta per preparare una torta ai mirtilli selvatici.I'm searching for a recipe to make a wild blueberry pie.
- Il mirtillo è molto dolce.The blueberry is very sweet.
- Vorrei un dolce al mirtillo.I would like a blueberry dessert.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are shopping for fruit at a market.
- ChiaraGuarda, questo mirtillo sembra molto fresco!Look, this blueberry looks very fresh!
- FrancescoHai ragione, prendiamone due confezioni.You are right, let's get two packs.
- ChiaraCi servono anche delle fragole?Do we need some strawberries too?
- FrancescoNo, oggi basta il mirtillo.No, today the blueberry is enough.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blueberry” translations and entries mirtillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
