ivy

¹ American  

[ahy-vee] / ˈaɪ vi /

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.

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adjective

1. (often initial capital letter) Ivy League.

2. New England. mountain laurel.

Ivy ² American  

[ahy-vee] / ˈaɪ vi /

noun

1. a female given name.

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ivy British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• ivy-like adjective
• ivylike adjective

Etymology

Origin of ivy

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

Example Sentences

Like ivy twining up a wall, a tendril of fear snaked ’round Penelope’s heart.

From Literature

What about snakes and ticks and poison ivy?

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite the school’s aspirational name, students found no ivy or dreaming spires.

From The Wall Street Journal

In addition, there’s a sun-filled lounge with a wooden bar covered in ivy, which also covers the ceiling and walls.

From MarketWatch

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.

From MarketWatch