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holly
1[ hol-ee ]
noun
- 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.
- the foliage and berries, used for decoration, especially during the Christmas season.
Holly
2[ hol-ee ]
noun
- Buddy Charles Hardin Holley, 1936–59, U.S. rock and roll singer and guitarist.
- a female or male given name.
Holly
2/ ˈhɒlɪ /
noun
- 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"
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Word History and Origins
Origin of holly1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of holly1
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Example Sentences
Towards the end of the book, Bechdel and her wife, Holly, climb Matterhorn Peak.
The gift was particularly special because it came from his mother, Holly, his best friend and biggest supporter.
As Holly’s condition worsened, Gross added responsibilities.
So along with Holly’s family, he created a GoFundMe to raise money for his mother’s medical expenses.
Nicholas Gross told few friends about Holly’s condition, but at the beginning of 2020, he realized his mom needed more help.
Deck your halls instead with boughs of holly, shouting “Merry Christmas” (or “Happy Hanukkah”) well into the night.
From the religious (‘The Holly and the Ivy’) to the secular (‘The Chipmunk Song’), my top 20.
Something tells me Holly Golightly would have thoroughly approved.
One day they were trying things out and started playing old Buddy Holly songs.
So the Beatles had recorded that Buddy Holly song many times?
As they brush the holly-leaves, in passing, the very sprays that touch the dresses of the scared girls are stirring.
It appeared that the fact of her having been the landlady of the Holly Sprig made no difference in his case.
In the twining of English holly and Western pine upon the great English novelist's grave the poet expresses a happy thought.
Jacques Bastien threw his holly stick in a corner, kept on his blouse, and followed his wife and the bailiff to the dining-room.
Its wild thyme will remain only in patches on its Trwyn, and its sandhills will be glaucous with the blue sea-holly no more.
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More About Holly
What does holly mean?
Holly is a plant (tree or shrub) known for its bright red berries and its glossy, prickly-edged evergreen leaves. There are many varieties of holly, all of which belong to the genus Ilex.
Most people are familiar with the common varieties of decorative holly, including American holly (scientific name Ilex opaca) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium)
In many places, holly is associated with wintertime and particularly with the Christmas season. (Some varieties of holly are known as winterberry.) During this season, holly branches are popularly used in decorations such as wreaths.
Although holly plants are not especially known for their flowers (which are small and white), holly is one of the December birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).
American holly is the state tree of Delaware.
Holly is also a given name, most traditionally a feminine one.
Example: I just love the look of a real holly wreath on the door—it’s so festive!
Where does holly come from?
The first records of the word holly in English come from before 1150. It’s related to the Old Slavonic word kolja, meaning “prick” (in reference to its prickly leaves).
Holly is found all over the world, but most varieties are native to the tropics and subtropics. Varieties of holly range from tall trees to very small shrubs.
While some birds and other wildlife are able to eat the berries from some holly plants, they are toxic to humans.
Did you know ... ?
How is holly used in real life?
Holly is popularly associated with wintertime, especially as a decoration for Christmas.
We’ve been looking 👀 at one of the huge holly trees in our grounds. 👇 Did you know that the same holly tree has different shaped leaves on different part of the tree? Prickly at the bottom and smooth at the top. Want to read more? Look @NatGeo https://t.co/tRNUjxT3yY #nature pic.twitter.com/zHBsHaBHcN
— Bullers Wood Girls Science (@BullersScience) March 29, 2021
Peter walked his hedgerows around now, looking for the best holly for making Wreathes, placing them on graves of people he cared about for Christmas, spruced up with plastic flowers from Top Ken’s in #Wirksworth. Missing a good friend but will gather a bit for Pete this year. pic.twitter.com/M8OtIeDU4a
— Kate Bellis (@KateBellis7) December 2, 2019
Happy #FloraFriday, friends! Today, we're spotlighting American holly. This native plant is known for its decorative red berries and spiny leaves. While holly is popular during the winter holidays, it holds its red fruit well into the spring — providing critical food for birds. pic.twitter.com/TK4p0Pz9CY
— NaturalAreasNYC (@NaturalAreasNYC) March 26, 2021
Try using holly!
True or False?
Holly berries are poisonous to humans.
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