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

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

Bare-root plants such as fruit trees, and broadleaf evergreen trees like hollies and Southern magnolia perform best when planted in spring. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2024

Evergreens, such as the eastern red cedar, American holly, and eastern hemlock, are particularly effective at providing protective places for butterflies, especially when other plants have lost their leaves. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 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

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