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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
Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence
I got poison ivy all over my arm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Similar elastic bands at the ankles make for a secure fit, perfect for pulling over socks in areas where the poison ivy or poison oak hasn’t died back yet or to limit your chances of ticks.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2024
Like its cousins, poison oak and poison ivy, poison sumac contains urushiol in every part of the plant, but is more toxic.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024
Enjoy the serenade of the stream but watch for poison ivy.
—Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Sep. 2024
Itching and stinging: Breast milk has been used on the skin to relieve the sting and itching of insect bites, bee stings, chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
—Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison ivy
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near poison ivy
Cite this Entry
“Poison ivy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison%20ivy. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
poison ivy
noun1
: 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
noun1
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
Nglish: Translation of poison ivy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poison ivy
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