holly

noun

hol·​ly ˈhä-lē How to pronounce holly (audio)
plural hollies
1
: any of a genus (Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae, the holly family) of trees and shrubs
especially : either of two (I. opaca of the eastern U.S. and I. aquifolium of Eurasia) with spiny-margined evergreen leaves and usually red berries often used for Christmas decorations
2
: the foliage or branches of the holly

Examples of holly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gather eucalyptus, red roses, white lilies, and holly berries to make a custom, Christmas display. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024 The subtly festive artwork is printed on an ivory canvas and features burgundy-colored sketches of two reindeer surrounded by twigs of holly, pinecones, and other winter plants. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024 In the background is a banner referencing Israel, a holly wreath, and a festive inflatable snowman. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024 Picture these South Louisville neighborhoods being gradually hugged by a growing mix of pines, hollies, arborvitaes, magnolias, dogwoods, oaks, and more. Bill Frist, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for holly 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English holin, holly, from Old English holen; akin to Old High German hulis holly, Middle Irish cuilenn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of holly was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near holly

Cite this Entry

“Holly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holly. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

holly

noun
hol·​ly ˈhäl-ē How to pronounce holly (audio)
plural hollies
1
: either of two trees or shrubs of which one is found in the eastern U.S. and the other in Eurasia and which have evergreen leaves with spiny margins and usually bright red berries
2
: the leaves, berries, and branches of the holly

Medical Definition

holly

see sea holly

More from Merriam-Webster on holly

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