holly

[ hol-ee ]

/ ˈhɒl i /

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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.

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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 newel, hollow sea, hollow tile, hollowware, holluschick, holly, hollyhock, holly oak, Hollywood, Hollywood bed, Hollywoodian

Other definitions for holly (2 of 2)

Holly

[ hol-ee ]

/ ˈhɒl i /

noun

Buddy Charles Hardin Holley, 1936–59, U.S. rock and roll singer and guitarist.

a female or male given name.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT HOLLY

What does holly mean?

Holly is a plant (tree or shrub) known for its bright red berries and its glossy, prickly-edged evergreen leaves. There are many varieties of holly, all of which belong to the genus Ilex.

Most people are familiar with the common varieties of decorative holly, including American holly (scientific name Ilex opaca) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium)

In many places, holly is associated with wintertime and particularly with the Christmas season. (Some varieties of holly are known as winterberry.) During this season, holly branches are popularly used in decorations such as wreaths.

Although holly plants are not especially known for their flowers (which are small and white), holly is one of the December birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

American holly is the state tree of Delaware.

Holly is also a given name, most traditionally a feminine one.

Example: I just love the look of a real holly wreath on the door—it’s so festive!

Where does holly come from?

The first records of the word holly in English come from before 1150. It’s related to the Old Slavonic word kolja, meaning “prick” (in reference to its prickly leaves).

Holly is found all over the world, but most varieties are native to the tropics and subtropics. Varieties of holly range from tall trees to very small shrubs.

While some birds and other wildlife are able to eat the berries from some holly plants, they are toxic to humans.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to holly?

hollies (plural)

What are some synonyms for holly?

winterberry

What are some words that often get used in discussing holly?

How is holly used in real life?

Holly is popularly associated with wintertime, especially as a decoration for Christmas.

We’ve been looking 👀 at one of the huge holly trees in our grounds. 👇 Did you know that the same holly tree has different shaped leaves on different part of the tree? Prickly at the bottom and smooth at the top. Want to read more? Look @NatGeo https://t.co/tRNUjxT3yY #nature pic.twitter.com/zHBsHaBHcN

— Bullers Wood Girls Science (@BullersScience) March 29, 2021

Peter walked his hedgerows around now, looking for the best holly for making Wreathes, placing them on graves of people he cared about for Christmas, spruced up with plastic flowers from Top Ken’s in #Wirksworth. Missing a good friend but will gather a bit for Pete this year. pic.twitter.com/M8OtIeDU4a

— Kate Bellis (@KateBellis7) December 2, 2019

Happy #FloraFriday, friends! Today, we're spotlighting American holly. This native plant is known for its decorative red berries and spiny leaves. While holly is popular during the winter holidays, it holds its red fruit well into the spring — providing critical food for birds. pic.twitter.com/TK4p0Pz9CY

— NaturalAreasNYC (@NaturalAreasNYC) March 26, 2021

Try using holly!

True or False?

Holly berries are poisonous to humans.

How to use holly in a sentence

Towards the end of the book, Bechdel and her wife, Holly, climb Matterhorn Peak.
Alison Bechdel Seeks Enlightenment via Fitness|Grace Perry|May 5, 2021|Outside Online
The gift was particularly special because it came from his mother, Holly, his best friend and biggest supporter.
A sick mother, a loving son, a signed Ovechkin jersey — and how the Caps tried to help|Kyle Melnick|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
As Holly’s condition worsened, Gross added responsibilities.
A sick mother, a loving son, a signed Ovechkin jersey — and how the Caps tried to help|Kyle Melnick|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
So along with Holly’s family, he created a GoFundMe to raise money for his mother’s medical expenses.
A sick mother, a loving son, a signed Ovechkin jersey — and how the Caps tried to help|Kyle Melnick|February 1, 2021|Washington Post

Nicholas Gross told few friends about Holly’s condition, but at the beginning of 2020, he realized his mom needed more help.
A sick mother, a loving son, a signed Ovechkin jersey — and how the Caps tried to help|Kyle Melnick|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
Deck your halls instead with boughs of holly, shouting “Merry Christmas” (or “Happy Hanukkah”) well into the night.
A Field General in the War on Christmas|David Freedlander|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From the religious (‘The Holly and the Ivy’) to the secular (‘The Chipmunk Song’), my top 20.
Yes, I Like Christmas Music. Stop Laughing.|Michael Tomasky|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Something tells me Holly Golightly would have thoroughly approved.
The Incredible Art of Christmas Windows|Barbara Ragghianti|November 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One day they were trying things out and started playing old Buddy Holly songs.
Greil Marcus Talks About Trying to Unlock Rock and Roll in 10 Songs|Allen Barra|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So the Beatles had recorded that Buddy Holly song many times?
Greil Marcus Talks About Trying to Unlock Rock and Roll in 10 Songs|Allen Barra|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As they brush the holly-leaves, in passing, the very sprays that touch the dresses of the scared girls are stirring.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
It appeared that the fact of her having been the landlady of the Holly Sprig made no difference in his case.
A Bicycle of Cathay|Frank R. Stockton
In the twining of English holly and Western pine upon the great English novelist's grave the poet expresses a happy thought.
Dickens in Camp|Bret Harte
Jacques Bastien threw his holly stick in a corner, kept on his blouse, and followed his wife and the bailiff to the dining-room.
The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence|Eugne Sue
Its wild thyme will remain only in patches on its Trwyn, and its sandhills will be glaucous with the blue sea-holly no more.
Mushroom Town|Oliver Onions

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

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"

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