myrtle

noun

myr·​tle ˈmər-tᵊl 

often attributive

1

a

: a common evergreen bushy shrub (Myrtus communis of the family Myrtaceae, the myrtle family) of southern Europe with oval to lance-shaped shiny leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries

b

: any of the chiefly tropical shrubs or trees comprising the myrtle family

2

a

: periwinkle entry 1 sense 1a

b

: california laurel

Illustration of myrtle

• myrtle 1a

Examples of myrtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Layers of ferns, agave, bamboo, natural stone, and myrtle create a lush and textured space that still feels serene. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2025

Newfields' culinary team developed treats using Australian ingredients like macadamia nuts, lemon myrtle and ironbark honey. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 3 July 2025

Another standout ingredient is lemon myrtle, a native Australian botanical that's everywhere here. —Noel Burgess, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Brisk aromas include a perfume of myrtle and light green apples. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mirtille, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin myrtillus, from Latin myrtus, from Greek myrtos

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing myrtle

• crape myrtle
• crepe myrtle
• crêpe myrtle
• sand myrtle
• wax myrtle

Rhymes for myrtle

• fertile
• hurtle
• kirtle
• turtle
• infertile

Kids Definition

myrtle

noun

myr·​tle ˈmərt-ᵊl 

1

: a common evergreen shrub of southern Europe with leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries

2

a

: any of the family of chiefly tropical shrubs or trees (as eucalyptus or guava) to which the common myrtle belongs

b

: periwinkle entry 1