any plant of the genus Myrtus, especially M. communis, a shrub of southern Europe having evergreen leaves, fragrant white flowers, and aromatic berries: anciently held sacred to Venus and used as an emblem of love.
any of certain unrelated plants, as the periwinkle, Vinca minor, and California laurel, Umbellularia californica.
Also called myrtlewood. the hard, golden-brown wood of the California laurel.
Also called myrtle green. dark green with bluish tinge.
any evergreen shrub or tree of the myrtaceous genus Myrtus, esp M. communis, a S European shrub with pink or white flowers and aromatic blue-black berries
short for crape myrtle
bog myrtle another name for sweet gale
another name for periwinkle 2
1350–1400; Middle English mirtile < Medieval Latin myrtillus, equivalent to Latin myrt ( us ) (< Greek mýrtos ) + New Latin -illus diminutive suffix
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her bridal bouquet included sweet peas, myrtle – a tradition in Ms Sperling's family and for the Royal Family – and lily of the valley.
From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026
"It's a long shot and ambitious but the species needs time and space without being constantly walloped by myrtle rust to hopefully express some resistance," Professor Fensham said.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2026
And don’t replace them with something like crape myrtle, which is pretty but doesn’t offer much shade for the space it takes up.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2025
Not only does wax myrtle take well to hedging, but the plant also provides winter berries and shelter for birds year-round.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 13, 2024
Flowering myrtle crept up its sides and the wild anise perfumed the air about it.
From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck
And in Myrtle Beach, S.C., officials instituted an “umbrellas-only rule” from Memorial Day through Labor Day citing safety.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026
He also founded the Myrtle Peach Trust Charity for the prevention and treatment of cervical and ovarian cancer.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
Those looking for a step up from Myrtle Beach can try Hilton Head Island, which is known for its paved bike trails and bright-green golf courses.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026
As the companies’ secretary, Galaxy is the only email listed on corporate records for Linnet Marguerite, Tantye Peur, Corniola Ltd. and Krape Myrtle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
Another traditional miners’ vacation spot was Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
