holly

noun

hol·​ly ˈhä-lē 

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

Little Gem dwarf southern magnolias, for example, would be beautiful if flanked by a medium-sized holly (dwarf Burford or Willowleaf) on one side and by Sea Green junipers on the other. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

This compact, upright holly maintains a pyramidal form without the need for pruning. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

In addition, seasons bring daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, water lilies, roses, holly berries, and so much more. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025

The previous owner planted 10 acres of holly oaks for truffle growing, and the orchard is now rounding into form, Hope says. —Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

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

Phrases Containing holly

• California holly
• English holly
• sea holly

Rhymes for holly

• colley
• collie
• dolly
• folly
• golly
• jolley
• jolly
• lolly
• mollie
• molly
• ollie
• polly

Kids Definition

holly

noun

hol·​ly ˈhäl-ē 

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