holly

noun

hol·​ly ˈhä-lē 

plural hollies

1

: any of a genus (Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae, the holly family) of trees and shrubs

especially : either of two (I. opaca of the eastern U.S. and I. aquifolium of Eurasia) with spiny-margined evergreen leaves and usually red berries often used for Christmas decorations

2

: the foliage or branches of the holly

Examples of holly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, Clayton recommends opting for something that will stay green year-round and save you the hassle of a seasonal cleanup like evergreen shrubs or holly. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 2026

Once Mother Nature has given you the go-ahead, Vater recommends planting broadleaf evergreens such as gardenias, camellias, and hollies during this early planting season. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

The foundation people told me my hollies along my house are the reason my foundation has developed cracks. —Neil Sperry, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Feb. 2026

Boxwood, holly, ferns, and other greenery are combined with climbing vines such as roses, camellias, and jasmine to add height and subtle color, while flowering shrubs and dependable perennials like lavender and hydrangea add romance. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English holin, holly, from Old English holen; akin to Old High German hulis holly, Middle Irish cuilenn

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing holly

• California holly
• English holly
• sea holly

Rhymes for holly

• colley
• collie
• dolly
• folly
• golly
• jolley
• jolly
• lolly
• mollie
• molly
• ollie
• polly

Kids Definition

holly

noun

hol·​ly ˈhäl-ē 

plural hollies

1

: either of two trees or shrubs of which one is found in the eastern U.S. and the other in Eurasia and which have evergreen leaves with spiny margins and usually bright red berries

2

: the leaves, berries, and branches of the holly

Medical Definition

holly

see sea holly