American holly

noun

: a tree (Ilex opaca) of moist woodlands in the eastern U.S. having duller and less spiny leaves than the European holly

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American holly was in 1784

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near American holly

Cite this Entry

“American holly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20holly. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!