myrtle

myr·tle

noun, often attributive \ˈmər-t^əl\

Definition of MYRTLE

1

a : a common evergreen bushy shrub (Myrtus communis of the family Myrtaceae, the myrtle family) of southern Europe with oval to lance-shaped shiny leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries b : any of the chiefly tropical shrubs or trees comprising the myrtle family

2

a : ¹periwinkle 1a b : california laurel

Illustration of MYRTLE

Origin of MYRTLE

Middle English mirtille, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin myrtillus, from Latin myrtus, from Greek myrtos

First Known Use: 1562

Rhymes with MYRTLE

fertile, hurtle, kirtle, spurtle, turtle