ivy

¹

[ ahy-vee ]

noun

, plural i·vies.

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 ( def 2 ).
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

Derived Forms

• ˈivy-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• ivy·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

Time, however, was having its way with the building, partially covered with ivy and cast in perpetual twilight.

From Los Angeles Times

We covered about 150 miles in all, crossing creeks, dodging rattlesnakes and poison ivy, climbing up and around switchbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Her pumpkin-inspired outfit was a provocative look complete with green nail polish, knee high stockings, ivy woven into her ginger wig and a judge’s gavel.

From Los Angeles Times

Horticultural invasives, such as butterfly bush, English ivy, pampas grass and many other garden favorites that have escaped cultivation, are of increasing concern.

From Seattle Times

A short metal fence cloaked in ivy blocks off the property.

From Los Angeles Times