noun
mistletoe
MIHSL-toh
Mistletoe (noun) means a parasitic evergreen plant with white berries that grows on tree branches, traditionally hung as a Christmas decoration. Example: “They kissed under the mistletoe at the office party.”
noun
1
A parasitic evergreen plant with white berries that grows on tree branches, traditionally hung as a Christmas decoration.
"They kissed under the mistletoe at the office party."
"A sprig of mistletoe hung above the doorway."
How to use mistletoe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA festive plant with white berries, famous for the tradition that people standing beneath it may kiss.
Common pairings
kiss under the mistletoe
hang the mistletoe
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like mistletoe.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- mistletoes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They kissed under the _____ at the office party.
Etymology
From Old English misteltān, from mistel ("mistletoe") plus tān ("twig"). The final syllable was later mistaken for "toe."
Synonyms
View more →
false mistletoe
Rhymes for mistletoe
See all rhymes for mistletoe →Frequently asked questions
What does “mistletoe” mean?
The word “mistletoe” means a parasitic evergreen plant with white berries that grows on tree branches, traditionally hung as a Christmas decoration. In plain terms, a festive plant with white berries, famous for the tradition that people standing beneath it may kiss.
How do you pronounce “mistletoe”?
“Mistletoe” is pronounced MIHSL-toh (/ˈmɪsəlˌtoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mistletoe” in a sentence?
Here is “mistletoe” used in a sentence: “They kissed under the mistletoe at the office party.”
What part of speech is “mistletoe”?
“Mistletoe” is a noun.
Where does the word “mistletoe” come from?
The word “mistletoe” comes from Old English. From Old English misteltān, from mistel ("mistletoe") plus tān ("twig"). The final syllable was later mistaken for "toe.".
