plural hollies
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 U.S. 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
Examples of holly in a Sentence
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Growing as a small tree or large shrub, deciduous holly tolerates both drought and periods of wet soil, making an ideal selection for raingardens or any area where water tends to collect after a rain.
09 of 14
Turk’s Cap
Botanical Name: Malvaviscus arboreus var.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Sea holly is cold-hardy, drought-tolerant, and suitable for both a dry garden and as a container subject.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
However, hollies benefit from regular, light pruning.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025
The deciduous hollies are loaded with fruit, and with the absence of the leaves, their bright red or orange berries really shine.
—Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 3 Jan. 2025
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Sea holly is cold-hardy, drought-tolerant, and suitable for both a dry garden and as a container subject.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
However, hollies benefit from regular, light pruning.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025
The deciduous hollies are loaded with fruit, and with the absence of the leaves, their bright red or orange berries really shine.
—Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holly
Cite this Entry
“Holly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holly. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
holly
noun
hol·ly
ˈhäl-ē 
plural hollies
1
: either of two trees or shrubs of which one is found in the eastern U.S. and the other in Eurasia and which have evergreen leaves with spiny margins and usually bright red berries
2
: the leaves, berries, and branches of the holly
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