myrtle

noun

myr·​tle ˈmər-tᵊl 

often attributive

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

: periwinkle entry 1 sense 1a

b

: california laurel

Illustration of myrtle

• myrtle 1a

Examples of myrtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bright, intense purple; aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate, myrtle and a hint of tobacco. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Crepe myrtle trees typically are carefree once established. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025

Layers of ferns, agave, bamboo, natural stone, and myrtle create a lush and textured space that still feels serene. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2025

Newfields' culinary team developed treats using Australian ingredients like macadamia nuts, lemon myrtle and ironbark honey. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 3 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing myrtle

• crape myrtle
• crepe myrtle
• crêpe myrtle
• sand myrtle
• wax myrtle

Rhymes for myrtle

• fertile
• hurtle
• kirtle
• turtle
• infertile

Kids Definition

myrtle

noun

myr·​tle ˈmərt-ᵊl 

1

: a common evergreen shrub of southern Europe with leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries

2

a

: any of the family of chiefly tropical shrubs or trees (as eucalyptus or guava) to which the common myrtle belongs

b

: periwinkle entry 1