holly

¹ American  

[hol-ee] / ˈhɒl i /

noun

plural

hollies

1. 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.

2. the foliage and berries, used for decoration, especially during the Christmas season.

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Holly ² American  

[hol-ee] / ˈhɒl i /

noun

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

2. a female or male given name.

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holly ¹ British  

/ ˈhɒlɪ /

noun

1. 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

2. branches of any of these trees, used for Christmas decorations

3. another name for holm oak

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Holly ² British  

/ ˈhɒlɪ /

noun

1. 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"

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Usage

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!

Etymology

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 )

Example Sentences

In Newcastle, Joshua Robb, 37, spent a week preparing a six-course Christmas meal for friends, the dinner table dressed with Christmas crackers and printed menus adorned with holly motifs.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2025

Butterfly Conservation said it was the worst year recorded for the common blue, holly blue, green-veined white, small white, small tortoiseshell, painted lady and Scotch argus.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2024

Cut off the bows and weave in sprigs of juniper, holly and eucalyptus to make the garland look fuller and more varied.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2023

The first design was composed of jewel-toned swirls dotted with hand-drawn holly sprigs and coffee beans.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2023

He picked up the holly and phoenix wand and felt a sudden warmth in his fingers, as though wand and hand were rejoicing at their reunion.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling