holly
n. C / Un. a small tree or bush with shiny, sharp green leaves and bright red berries. People often use its branches to decorate their homes during the winter holidays.
n. an evergreen shrub or tree of the genus Ilex, characterized by glossy, spiny-edged leaves and small, typically red, drupes. Frequently associated with winter solstice and Christmas iconography.
We decorated the fireplace with branches of holly.
The bright red berries of the holly bush provided a sharp contrast against the white winter snow.
In traditional folklore, holly was often planted near houses to protect the inhabitants from lightning and malevolent spirits, owing to its resilient nature and year-round greenery.
* As an Irish surname, calque of mac cuilinn (“holly”) (see McCullen) and sometimes McQuillan. * As an English surname, variant of Holley. * As a Czech and Slovak surname, variant of Holý, Holy. * Also as a locational English surname, from Old English hol leah (“wood, clearing, meadow”), compare Hollywood. * Also as an English surname, short form of Holiday. * Also as an English surname, after the holly tree. * As a feminine given name popularized by Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's (especially the 1961 film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn).
Uncountable when referring to the plant species or wood; countable when referring to a specific bush or variety.