Dictionary
1ivy
noun \ˈī-vē\
: a plant that has long stems and that often grows on the outsides of buildings
plural ivies
Full Definition of IVY
1
: a widely cultivated ornamental climbing or prostrate or sometimes shrubby chiefly Eurasian vine (Hedera helix) of the ginseng family with evergreen leaves, small yellowish flowers, and black berries
2
3
often capitalized : an Ivy League college
See ivy defined for English-language learners
See ivy defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of IVY
Middle English, from Old English īfig; akin to Old High German ebah ivy
First Known Use: before 12th century
2ivy
adjective
Definition of IVY
1
: academic
2
Origin of IVY
from the prevalence of ivy-covered buildings on the campuses of older United States colleges
First Known Use: 1933
IVIES Defined for Kids
ivy
noun \ˈī-vē\
plural ivies
Definition of IVY for Kids
1
: a climbing vine with evergreen leaves and black berries often found growing on buildings
2
: a climbing plant that resembles ivy
Learn More About IVY
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up ivy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).