ivy

1 of 2

noun

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

Illustration of ivy

Illustration of ivy
  • ivy 1

ivy

2 of 2

adjective

Examples of ivy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Listen to this article The ivy started turning a little earlier than usual this month at Wrigley Field, ensuring a picturesque backdrop for a ballgame come October. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2024 Think deep green foliage, climbing ivy, and earthy textures that bring the enchanted woodlands indoors. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2024
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 See all Example Sentences for ivy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ivy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ivy was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near ivy

Cite this Entry

“Ivy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ivy. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on ivy

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