First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
holly
noun hol·ly \ˈhä-lē\
: a tree or bush with dark green leaves and bright red berries; also : the branches of this plant which are used for decoration especially at Christmas
plural hollies
Full Definition of HOLLY
1
: any of a genus (Ilex of the family Aquifoliaceae, the holly family) of trees and shrubs; especially : either of two (I. opaca of the eastern United States and I. aquifolium of Eurasia) with spiny-margined evergreen leaves and usually red berries often used for Christmas decorations
2
: the foliage or branches of the holly
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Origin of HOLLY
Middle English holin, holly, from Old English holen; akin to Old High German hulis holly, Middle Irish cuilenn
HOLLIES Defined for Kids
holly
noun hol·ly \ˈhä-lē\
plural hollies
Definition of HOLLY for Kids
: an evergreen tree or shrub that has shiny leaves with prickly edges and red berries
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holly
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