ivy

¹

[ahy-vee]

noun

plural

ivies 

1. Also called English ivy. a climbing vine, Hedera helix, having smooth, shiny, evergreen leaves, small, yellowish flowers, and black berries, grown as an ornamental.

2. any of various other climbing or trailing plants.

adjective

1. (often initial capital letter),  Ivy League.

2. New England.,  mountain laurel.

Ivy

²

[ahy-vee]

noun

1. a female given name.

ivy

/ ˈaɪvɪ /

noun

1. any woody climbing or trailing araliaceous plant of the Old World genus Hedera, esp H. helix, having lobed evergreen leaves and black berry-like fruits

2. any of various other climbing or creeping plants, such as Boston ivy, poison ivy, and ground ivy

Other Word Forms

• ivylike adjective
• ivy-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ivy¹

before 900; Middle English ivi; Old English ifig; akin to German Efeu

Word History and Origins

Origin of ivy¹

Old English īfig; related to Old High German ebah, perhaps to Greek iphuon a plant

Example Sentences

You have three unhealthy patterns that have taken hold, like ivy that has grown into the foundations of your home: repeated conflict, avoidance of conflict, and your inability to agree on financial management.

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Most prominent in the decoration is sinuous ivy, which curls around the entire vessel.

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She’s standing in front of a marble fireplace decked with ivy.

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If you plan to use natural elements for wiping, make sure you know what poison ivy and other unfriendly plants look like.

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Besides being overtaken by moss, ivy and ferns, Seattle’s surviving denizens have evolved from passive-aggressive to plain old aggressive.

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