poison ivy

noun

1
a
: a climbing plant (Toxicodendron radicans synonym Rhus radicans) of the cashew family that is especially common in the eastern and central U.S., that has ternate leaves, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash
b
: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy
2
: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Illustration of poison ivy

Illustration of poison ivy
  • poison ivy 1a

Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence

I got poison ivy all over my arm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even under Joe Biden — who was as green as poison ivy — oil and gas production hit new highs. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2025 Manjack was slowed with a bad case of poison ivy at the beginning of fall camp, but finally got back into the mix and had his best practice Saturday. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2025 When the hiker suggested a shortcut through the poison ivy, the others said — SCRATCH THAT! Usa Today, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025 Overgrown grass, weeds, bushes, vines, poison ivy or other vegetation allowed to grow tall can lead to rodents or give the impression that no one lives there, and attract crime, the town of of West Hartford warned in a notice to residents. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for poison ivy

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of poison ivy was in 1782

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poison ivy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison%20ivy. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

poison ivy

noun
1
: a usually climbing plant that is related to the sumacs, has leaves usually with three leaflets, greenish flowers, white berries, and leaves and stems that when bruised and touched may cause an itching rash on the skin
2
: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Medical Definition

poison ivy

noun
1
a
: a climbing plant of the genus Rhus (R. radicans synonym Toxicodendron radicans) that is especially common in the eastern and central United States, that has leaves in groups of three, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an acutely irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash
b
: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy
especially : poison oak sense 1b
2
: a skin rash produced by poison ivy

More from Merriam-Webster on poison ivy

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