noun
Common
holly
HO-lee
Holly (noun) means a prickly-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree with bright red berries, often used as Christmas decoration. Example: “They hung sprigs of holly over the fireplace for the holidays.”
noun
1
A prickly-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree with bright red berries, often used as Christmas decoration.
"They hung sprigs of holly over the fireplace for the holidays."
"The garden had a tall holly hedge along one side."
"Birds feed on the red berries of the holly in winter."
How to use holly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe spiky-leaved plant with red berries you see in Christmas decorations and wreaths.
Common pairings
holly and ivy
sprig of holly
holly berries
holly bush
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Word forms
- Plural
- hollies
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They hung sprigs of _____ over the fireplace for the holidays.
Etymology
From Old English holen/holeġn, an old Germanic word for the same prickly evergreen plant.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for holly
See all rhymes for holly →Frequently asked questions
What does “holly” mean?
The word “holly” means a prickly-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree with bright red berries, often used as Christmas decoration. In plain terms, the spiky-leaved plant with red berries you see in Christmas decorations and wreaths.
How do you pronounce “holly”?
“Holly” is pronounced HO-lee (/ˈhɑli/ in IPA).
How do you use “holly” in a sentence?
Here is “holly” used in a sentence: “They hung sprigs of holly over the fireplace for the holidays.”
What part of speech is “holly”?
“Holly” is a noun.
Where does the word “holly” come from?
The word “holly” comes from Old English. From Old English holen/holeġn, an old Germanic word for the same prickly evergreen plant.
Is “holly” a common word?
“Holly” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between holly and ivy?
Holly is a prickly-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree with bright red berries, while ivy is a climbing or trailing evergreen plant with lobed leaves and no showy red berries. The two are traditionally paired as Christmas greenery, as in the carol "The Holly and the Ivy."
What is the difference between holly and mistletoe?
Both are evergreen plants linked to Christmas, but holly is a prickly-leaved shrub with bright red berries, whereas mistletoe grows on tree branches and bears white berries. Holly is used as decoration, while mistletoe is associated with the custom of kissing beneath it.
Why is holly associated with Christmas?
Holly is widely used as a Christmas decoration because it stays green through winter and produces bright red berries during the festive season. Its evergreen leaves and red berries have made it a traditional symbol of the holidays.
What is the difference between holly and a poinsettia?
Both are popular Christmas plants, but holly is a prickly-leaved evergreen shrub with bright red berries, while a poinsettia is grown for its large red upper leaves, which are often mistaken for petals. Holly is usually used as cut greenery, whereas poinsettias are displayed as whole potted plants.
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