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

Walking inside we were met with a long line of people waiting for service at the bar decorated with wicker, fake parrots and ivy. — Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

To sit amid the magic of the ivy and feel the buzz of the historic stadium, cultivating in young suburban minds the magic of a ballgame in Chicago? — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 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