ivy

noun \ ˈī-vē \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Definition of ivy

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 capitalized : an Ivy League college

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Recent Examples of ivy from the Web

Lush landscaping surrounds the space and continues onto the home, where ivy coats the stucco exterior.

— jack flemming, latimes.com, "Los Feliz estate owned by former Oprah Winfrey Network head lists with a new look," 26 June 2018
Where once our yard resembled disputed territory on a map — a no man’s land where grass merged into weeds which merged into ivy which merged into (patchy) mulch — now the borders are clear cut, literally.

— john kelly, Washington Post, "It’s going to be hard for me to complain about other people’s leaf blowers," 6 May 2018
Foliage like ferns, Hosta leaves and bush ivy frame and add contrast.

— devin alessio, ELLE Decor, "5 Brilliant Flower Arranging Tips And Ideas," 24 Aug. 2016
The ivy that snaked across the bookshelf and over the desk had started out as a miserable thing, cut back by a patient and given to Flaherty as both a prop and a gift: Its puny sprouts were meant to symbolize how ravaged the patient felt.

— eric boodman, STAT, "It’s not ‘all in your head’: When other doctors give up on patients, a boundary-breaking neurologist treats them," 19 June 2018
The larger of the two is lined with ivy and gaslights, and features an outdoor fireplace with a 75-inch TV above the mantle, a heated canopy, hot tub with an awning and barbecue area.

— vivian marino, New York Times, "A SoHo Triplex on the Market for $65 Million," 14 June 2018
The tradition dates back to the late 19th century and includes a stop at the campus’ oldest tree where students plant a pot of ivy.

— kathleen mcwilliams, Courant Community, "Miss Porter's Graduates Urged To Not Let Sexism Define Their Accomplishments," 1 June 2018
Green ivy now hangs from the ceiling, and what was once a black back wall is now covered with a whimsical pink, forest green, and teal vine wallpaper.

— jean trinh, Los Angeles Magazine, "What to Expect at Ma’am Sir, Silver Lake’s Newest Filipino Restaurant and Bar," 31 May 2018
Boston is picturesque in any season, so channel your inner photographer and capture the bean’s gorgeous ivy brownstones, brick architecture, and sprawling parks.

— jessi walker, Marie Claire, "Weekend Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat and Drink in Boston," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ivy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.