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

hollow-eyed, hollow-forge, hollow-ground, hollowware, holluschick, holly, holly oak, hollyhock, hollywood, hollywood bed, hollywoodian

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"