plural hollies
1
: any of a genus (Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae, the holly family) of trees and shrubs
especially
: either of two (I. opaca of the eastern U.S. and I. aquifolium of Eurasia) with spiny-margined evergreen leaves and usually red berries often used for Christmas decorations
2
: the foliage or branches of the holly
Examples of holly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Gather eucalyptus, red roses, white lilies, and holly berries to make a custom, Christmas display.
—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024
The subtly festive artwork is printed on an ivory canvas and features burgundy-colored sketches of two reindeer surrounded by twigs of holly, pinecones, and other winter plants.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024
In the background is a banner referencing Israel, a holly wreath, and a festive inflatable snowman.
—Matt Burgess, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024
Picture these South Louisville neighborhoods being gradually hugged by a growing mix of pines, hollies, arborvitaes, magnolias, dogwoods, oaks, and more.
—Bill Frist, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
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Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2024
The subtly festive artwork is printed on an ivory canvas and features burgundy-colored sketches of two reindeer surrounded by twigs of holly, pinecones, and other winter plants.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024
In the background is a banner referencing Israel, a holly wreath, and a festive inflatable snowman.
—Matt Burgess, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024
Picture these South Louisville neighborhoods being gradually hugged by a growing mix of pines, hollies, arborvitaes, magnolias, dogwoods, oaks, and more.
—Bill Frist, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holly
Dictionary Entries Near holly
Cite this Entry
“Holly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holly. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
holly
noun
hol·ly
ˈhäl-ē 
plural hollies
1
: either of two trees or shrubs of which one is found in the eastern U.S. and the other in Eurasia and which have evergreen leaves with spiny margins and usually bright red berries
2
: the leaves, berries, and branches of the holly
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