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

Hartford Courant Rhododendrons and ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae seemed to suffer the most damage followed by cherry laurels and hollies. —Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025

Flannel moths typically feed on elms, maples, hackberries, hollies, oaks and sycamores, according to the NC State Extension, so people who have these plants around their properties are more likely to encounter these caterpillars. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 18 Mar. 2025

Sea holly flowers can be preserved for months as dry flowers. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025

Gently remove the holly from its pot and loosen the roots. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024

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