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.
He used AI to design a drone with LED lasers to kill myrtle spurge, an invasive weed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026
Served alongside native beach succulent, these Asian-style dumplings come topped with sesame seeds and a gochujang anise myrtle dressing.
From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026
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
He laid Cari beside a flimsy crepe myrtle sapling he’d planted the spring before.
From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez
The rally was held in Myrtle Beach because the area features a trove of up-for-grabs votes in the runoff.
From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026
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
“No,” said Myrtle defiantly, her voice echoing loudly around the old tiled bathroom.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
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