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 addition to the movie lineup, Hallmark is also celebrating the season with a holly, jolly collection of new TV shows. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Dec. 2025

Whether your choice of festive romance is a spicy romp in the holly and the ivy, or mistletoe kisses in a winter wonderland, there is something to suit every taste, and threaded through them all like a string of fairy lights there is love. —Jenny Bayliss, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025

Once cut, hollies usually stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks before turning brittle and brown. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2025

This set comes with a glass decanter and two matching wine glasses, all of which are adorned with hollies and berries and golden rims. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 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