mistletoe

[ mis-uhl-toh ]

noun

1. a European plant, Viscum album, having yellowish flowers and white berries, growing parasitically on various trees, used in Christmas decorations.
2. any of several other related, similar plants, as Phoradendron serotinum, of the U.S.: the state flower of Oklahoma.

mistletoe

/ ˈmɪsəlˌtəʊ /

noun

1. a Eurasian evergreen shrub, Viscum album, with leathery leaves, yellowish flowers, and waxy white berries: grows as a partial parasite on various trees: used as a Christmas decoration: family Viscaceae
2. any of several similar and related American plants in the families Loranthaceae or Viscaceae , esp Phoradendron flavescens
3. mistletoe cactus
   an epiphytic cactus, Rhipsalis cassytha, that grows in tropical America

Word History and Origins

Origin of mistletoe¹

before 1000; Middle English mistelto, apparently back formation from Old English misteltān ( mistel mistletoe, basil + tān twig), the -n being taken as plural ending; cognate with Old Norse mistilteinn

Word History and Origins

Origin of mistletoe¹

Old English misteltān, from mistel mistletoe + tān twig; related to Old Norse mistilteinn

Example Sentences

The goal was identifying the moments that viewers expect from Hallmark’s pleasingly formulaic programming — the apology, the kiss under the mistletoe — and finding a way to “gamify” them, Bennett says.

From Los Angeles Times

Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts, said the Christmas number one race was "as important to the festive season as Christmas trees, mistletoe and mulled wine".

From BBC

She sprinkles in specific holiday references, from Santa Claus to mistletoe.

From Seattle Times

Yet the story behind “All I Want for Christmas is You” is not all holly and mistletoe.

From Seattle Times

Somehow we have survived almost to the end of another year, but before you mix the nog and hoist the mistletoe, there is still some business to discuss.

From Los Angeles Times