ivy

1 of 2

noun

ˈī-vē 

plural ivies

1

: a widely cultivated ornamental climbing or prostrate or sometimes shrubby chiefly Eurasian vine (Hedera helix) of the ginseng family with evergreen leaves, small yellowish flowers, and black berries

2

: any of several climbing plants (such as Virginia creeper) resembling ivy

especially : poison ivy

3

often Ivy : an Ivy League college

Illustration of ivy

• ivy 1

ivy

2 of 2

adjective

1

: academic

2

: ivy league

Examples of ivy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

An evergreen vine that forms a thick blanket of foliage at ground level, English ivy (Hedera helix) will overtake nearby plants including trees. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026

The ivy might begin to flag in the heat, so plan to remove it (or at least relocate it to the shady side of the container) before temperatures begin climbing. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

Adjective

The actress, who's known for being something of an amateur equestrian, appears to be bending over to give her horse Ivy water through a tiny straw. —Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 21 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English īfig; akin to Old High German ebah ivy

Adjective

from the prevalence of ivy-covered buildings on the campuses of older U.S. colleges

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ivy

• Boston ivy
• devil's ivy
• English ivy
• ground ivy
• halls of ivy
• poison ivy

Kids Definition

ivy

noun

ˈī-vē

plural ivies

1

: a climbing woody vine with glossy evergreen leaves, small yellowish flowers, and black berries that is often grown on the outside of buildings

called also English ivy

2

: any of several climbing plants (as Virginia creeper or poison ivy) resembling ivy