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

National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Wreath Join the over 10,000 Amazon shoppers who just bought this artificial wreath that’s adorned with pinecones, holly berries, and gorgeous lights. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Winter florals also incorporate seasonal greenery like holly or mistletoe, often as complementary notes to add earthy, crisp depth. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024

Adorned with a red ribbon and holly, this glittery deer stares up at the sky, as if waiting for the big guy to arrive in his sleigh. —Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

Gather eucalyptus, red roses, white lilies, and holly berries to make a custom, Christmas display. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024

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

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