Virginia creeper


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

Origin of Virginia creeper

1
An Americanism dating back to 1660–70

Words Nearby Virginia creeper

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use Virginia creeper in a sentence

  • The shadows of the Virginia creeper fell on the red pavement, and Kitty's light voice was heard on the staircase.

    A Mere Accident | George Moore
  • He gives twenty-one species under this genus of which nine are American, one, however, being our Virginia creeper.

    The Grapes of New York | U. P. Hedrick
  • Unc Simmy swung his steed through a ruined gateway where the Virginia creeper and honeysuckle hid the gateposts and wall.

    Ruth Fielding Down in Dixie | Alice B. Emerson
  • Setting his teeth determinedly, Ralph Wonderson swarmed up the Virginia-creeper until he reached the closely-shuttered window.

  • The bit of Virginia-creeper planted under the window hung shriveled upon its trellis.

    The March Family Trilogy, Complete | William Dean Howells

British Dictionary definitions for Virginia creeper

Virginia creeper

noun
  1. 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

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012