holly
[ hol-ee ]
/ ˈhɒl i /
noun, plural hol·lies.
any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Ilex, as I. opaca (American holly), the state tree of Delaware, or I. aquifolium (English holly), having glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries.
the foliage and berries, used for decoration, especially during the Christmas season.
Origin of holly
before 1150; Middle English
holi(e),
holyn, Old English
hole(g)n; cognate with Welsh
celyn, Irish
cuillean; akin to Dutch, German
hulst, French
houx (< Old High German
hulis)
Words nearby holly
Definition for holly (2 of 2)
Holly
[ hol-ee ]
/ ˈhɒl i /
noun
BuddyCharles Hardin Holley,1936–59,
U.S. rock and roll singer and guitarist.
a female or male given name.
Example sentences from the Web for holly
British Dictionary definitions for holly (1 of 2)
holly
/ (ˈhɒlɪ) /
noun plural -lies
any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex, such as the Eurasian I. aquifolium, having bright red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
branches of any of these trees, used for Christmas decorations
holly oak another name for holm oak
See also
sea holly
Word Origin for holly
Old English
holegn; related to Old Norse
hulfr, Old High German
hulis, German
Hulst, Old Slavonic
kolja prick
British Dictionary definitions for holly (2 of 2)
Holly
/ (ˈhɒlɪ) /
noun
Buddy. real name Charles Harden Holley. 1936–59, US rock-and-roll singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His hits (all 1956–59) include "That'll be the Day", "Maybe Baby", "Peggy Sue", "Oh, Boy", "Think It Over", and "It Doesn't Matter Anymore"