poison ivy

noun

1

a

: a climbing plant (Toxicodendron radicans synonym Rhus radicans) of the cashew family that is especially common in the eastern and central U.S., that has ternate leaves, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash

b

: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy

2

: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Illustration of poison ivy

• poison ivy 1a

Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence

I got poison ivy all over my arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

So, in this experiment, Roberts and her students cleared around two acres of grass and poison ivy and shrubs and just kind of weedy non-native species from a streamside that was on campus. —Sophie McNulty, Scientific American, 13 June 2024

For example, mango skin contains urushiol, the same compound found in poison ivy, which can trigger allergic reactions in people who are susceptible. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 12 June 2024

How to avoid Arizona' most poisonous plants From poison ivy to morning glory, here's how to avoid Arizona's most poisonous plants. —Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024

The gloves are also handy for work in brushy yards and will protect against scratches from branches, insect bites, and poison ivy. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

poison ivy

noun

1

: a usually climbing plant that is related to the sumacs, has leaves usually with three leaflets, greenish flowers, white berries, and leaves and stems that when bruised and touched may cause an itching rash on the skin

2

: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Medical Definition

poison ivy

noun

-ˈī-vē 

1

a

: a climbing plant of the genus Rhus (R. radicans synonym Toxicodendron radicans) that is especially common in the eastern and central United States, that has leaves in groups of three, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an acutely irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash

b

: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy

especially : poison oak sense 1b

2

: a skin rash produced by poison ivy