bittersweet meaning and definition

BITTERSWEET noun

Definition of bittersweet (noun)

1. poisonous perennial Old World vine having violet flowers and oval coral-red berries; widespread weed in North America
   • synonyms: bittersweet nightshade, climbing nightshade, deadly nightshade, poisonous nightshade, Solanum dulcamara, woody nightshade
2. twining shrub of North America having yellow capsules enclosing scarlet seeds
   • synonyms: American bittersweet, Celastrus scandens, climbing bittersweet, false bittersweet, shrubby bittersweet, staff vine, waxwork

BITTERSWEET adjective

Definition of bittersweet (adjective)

1. tinged with sadness
   • "a movie with a bittersweet ending"
2. having a taste that is a mixture of bitterness and sweetness
   • synonyms: semisweet