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

Crape myrtle trees, pentas (a tropical plant with small red flowers), tulip tree, yellow bells and magnolia are just some of the plants that can be seen throughout. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

The couple's wedding favors, meanwhile, were comprised of individual posies of myrtle and white Balmoral heather. —Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

Prune myrtle in spring and again in midsummer if needed. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2026

The tradition of a royal bride carrying myrtle dates back to Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Victoria, who carried the flower during her 1858 wedding ceremony. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026

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