Virginia creeper

noun

a climbing plant, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, of the grape family, native to North America, having palmate leaves, usually with five leaflets, and bluish-black berries.

Also called American ivy, ivy vine.

Origin of Virginia creeper

An Americanism dating back to 1660–70

Example sentences from the Web for virginia creeper

It feeds on vine (Vitis vinifera) and yellow bedstraw (Galium verum); also on fuchsia and virginia-creeper (Ampelopsis).

The Moths of the British Isles, First Series |Richard South
The bit of Virginia-creeper planted under the window hung shriveled upon its trellis.

The March Family Trilogy, Complete |William Dean Howells
Setting his teeth determinedly, Ralph Wonderson swarmed up the Virginia-creeper until he reached the closely-shuttered window.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 147, September 16, 1914 |Various
There shall nothing grow in it but lilies and roses, and the cottage we will cover all over with Virginia-creeper.

Evergreens |Jerome K. Jerome

At that season the delicate flame of the Virginia-creeper was a prominent tint on the walls all round the lake.

A Little Swiss Sojourn |W. D. Howells

British Dictionary definitions for virginia creeper

Virginia creeper

noun

Also called (US): American ivy, woodbine a vitaceous woody vine, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, of North America, having tendrils with adhesive tips, bluish-black berry-like fruits, and compound leaves that turn red in autumn: widely planted for ornament

Also called: Japanese ivy a similar related plant, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, of SE Asia, having trilobed leaves and purple berries US name: Boston ivy

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

Virginia creeper

noun

Origin of Virginia creeper

Example sentences from the Web for virginia creeper

British Dictionary definitions for virginia creeper

noun