myrtle

noun

myr·​tle ˈmər-tᵊl 

often attributive

1

a

: a common evergreen bushy shrub (Myrtus communis of the family Myrtaceae, the myrtle family) of southern Europe with oval to lance-shaped shiny leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries

b

: any of the chiefly tropical shrubs or trees comprising the myrtle family

2

a

: periwinkle entry 1 sense 1a

b

: california laurel

Illustration of myrtle

• myrtle 1a

Examples of myrtle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The beloved product's matte iteration features the same gripping power as the original but is specifically formulated to control excess oil and minimize shine with the help of skin-loving ingredients like lemon myrtle blend. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Bright, medium intense purple; ripe black fruit aromas (black plum, blackberry) along with notes of myrtle and clove. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Lemon myrtle extract, baobab extract, rice bran oil Size: 1 fl. oz. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2024

The brand said the mask deeply hydrates skin, and plumps and restores the skin barrier while encouraging a healthy glow, with the help of additional actives including jasmine and mangosteen, plus a plant complex made of myrtle and olive. —Devorah Lauter, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mirtille, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin myrtillus, from Latin myrtus, from Greek myrtos

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing myrtle

• crape myrtle
• crepe myrtle
• crêpe myrtle
• sand myrtle
• wax myrtle

Rhymes for myrtle

• fertile
• hurtle
• kirtle
• turtle
• infertile

Kids Definition

myrtle

noun

myr·​tle ˈmərt-ᵊl 

1

: a common evergreen shrub of southern Europe with leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries

2

a

: any of the family of chiefly tropical shrubs or trees (as eucalyptus or guava) to which the common myrtle belongs

b

: periwinkle entry 1