Virginia creeper

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noun

a climbing plant, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, of the grape family, native to North America, having palmate leaves, usually with five leaflets, and bluish-black berries.

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Also called American ivy, ivy vine.

Origin of Virginia creeper

An Americanism dating back to 1660–70

Words nearby Virginia creeper

Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, Virginia Beach, Virginia City, Virginia cowslip, Virginia creeper, Virginia deer, Virginia dynasty, Virginia fence, Virginia ham, virginiamycin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Virginia creeper in a sentence

The shadows of the Virginia creeper fell on the red pavement, and Kitty's light voice was heard on the staircase.
A Mere Accident|George Moore
He gives twenty-one species under this genus of which nine are American, one, however, being our Virginia creeper.
The Grapes of New York|U. P. Hedrick
Unc Simmy swung his steed through a ruined gateway where the Virginia creeper and honeysuckle hid the gateposts and wall.
Ruth Fielding Down in Dixie|Alice B. Emerson
Setting his teeth determinedly, Ralph Wonderson swarmed up the Virginia-creeper until he reached the closely-shuttered window.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 147, September 16, 1914|Various

The bit of Virginia-creeper planted under the window hung shriveled upon its trellis.
The March Family Trilogy, Complete|William Dean Howells

British Dictionary definitions for Virginia creeper

Virginia creeper

noun

Also called (US): American ivy, woodbine a vitaceous woody vine, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, of North America, having tendrils with adhesive tips, bluish-black berry-like fruits, and compound leaves that turn red in autumn: widely planted for ornament

Also called: Japanese ivy a similar related plant, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, of SE Asia, having trilobed leaves and purple berriesUS name: Boston ivy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012