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

Go with mums in the fall, poinsettias or holly in the winter, petunias in the spring, and hydrangeas in the summer. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025

Here, 12 old-fashioned Christmas traditions that are just begging for a holly jolly comeback. —Jeanne Lyons Davis, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

White House Heritage High School senior Zoie Ingram has been named as The Tennessean's Singers and Songwriters Student of the Week, leading up to the holly, jolly holiday season. —Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 13 Dec. 2024

Varieties for the South: Kaleidoscope, Confetti, Miss Lemon 05 of 07 Winterberry Botanical name: Ilex verticillata Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil type: Moist, acidic This deciduous holly has the most beautiful berries that persist all winter long. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 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