: 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
poison ivy 1a
Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence
I got poison ivy all over my arm.
Recent Examples on the WebDoctors often prescribe topical steroids for a host of conditions: psoriasis, poison ivy, dermatitis, eczema.—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2023 More:Now is the worst time of year for poison ivy exposure in Wisconsin, experts say More:No yard is too small to go with earth-friendly native plants But can't long stretches of drought or extreme heat kill grass?—Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2023 The term was coined for land next to the road where nothing will grow, except perhaps undesirables such as crabgrass and poison ivy.—Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 12 July 2023 Common poison ivy symptoms | Can a poison ivy rash spread on my body?—Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, 11 July 2023 Swelling and other symptoms typically develop 24 to 36 hours after exposure (think: a poison ivy reaction), Dr. Friedman says.—Alexis Jones, Women's Health, 14 Mar. 2023 Alcohol can also dissolve the oils poison ivy leaves behind and help wash it away.—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Sep. 2022 The plant commonly known as poison ivy is known by the scientific name, Toxicodendron radicans.—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 July 2023 Thankfully, the right poison ivy rash treatment can help with that last part.—Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, 11 July 2023 See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poison ivy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
: 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
: 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
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