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

More serious damage happens occasionally to hollies and other smaller trees, but rarely to others. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2024

Locally native alternative evergreens include Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and American holly (Ilex opaca). —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2024

Plant it near the back of the woody plant border, perhaps behind Carissa or dwarf yaupon hollies that can provide dark evergreen foliage as a nice contrast. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2024

For the holly ornament, download the template (link below) and use it to cut eight holly leaves from gold-leafed kraft paper. —Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023

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