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

With a festive Christmas design featuring holly, berries, and pine cones, this plate showcases classic winter greenery. —Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

Have a holly, jolly Christmas, and don’t forget to hang your stocking. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Reese Witherspoon jumped right into the holiday spirit by taking a wreath-making class, and while the garland and holly capture the essence of the season, her button-up cardigan caught our attention. —Madison Yauger, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

Need a shift from all the candy canes and holly jolly after Christmas? —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 7 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