holly

¹

[ hol-ee ]

noun

, plural hol·lies.

1. any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Ilex, as I. opaca American holly, the state tree of Delaware, or I. aquifolium English holly, having glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries.
2. the foliage and berries, used for decoration, especially during the Christmas season.

Holly

²

[ hol-ee ]

noun

1. Buddy Charles Hardin Holley, 1936–59, U.S. rock and roll singer and guitarist.
2. a female or male given name.

Holly

¹

/ ˈhɒlɪ /

noun

1. HollyBuddy19361959MUSMUSIC: rock singerMUSIC: guitaristMUSIC: songwriter Buddy. real name Charles Harden Holley. 1936–59, US rock-and-roll singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His hits (all 1956–59) include "That'll be the Day", "Maybe Baby", "Peggy Sue", "Oh, Boy", "Think It Over", and "It Doesn't Matter Anymore"

holly

²

/ ˈhɒlɪ /

noun

1. any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex, such as the Eurasian I. aquifolium, having bright red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
2. branches of any of these trees, used for Christmas decorations
3. holly oak
   another name for holm oak

Word History and Origins

Origin of holly¹

before 1150; Middle English holi ( e ), holyn, Old English hole ( g ) n; cognate with Welsh celyn, Irish cuillean; akin to Dutch, German hulst, French houx (< Old High German hulis )

Word History and Origins

Origin of holly¹

Old English holegn; related to Old Norse hulfr, Old High German hulis, German Hulst, Old Slavonic kolja prick

Example Sentences

Holly, now 26, has chronic pain and hypermobility syndrome and is one of a number of disabled women who have spoken out to challenge negative stereotypes and stigma when it comes to dating and relationships.

From BBC

As for the jewelry, Kenneth Jay Lane custom-built two necklaces to mimic Holly’s jewels, which had to be hand-sewn by Lawson’s tailor Sarah Moore pearl by pearl to anchor it to the dress.

From Los Angeles Times

I knew Nash a little bit in in London when he was still in the Hollies.

From Los Angeles Times

Holly Newton was stalked and then stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend in Hexham, Northumberland, last January.

From BBC

Fifteen-year-old Holly Newton was murdered by her boyfriend at the end of their abusive relationship.

From BBC