Holly Meaning and Definition
Holly
Pronunciation
/ˈhɒli/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Northern Hemisphere, known for its glossy leaves and bright red berries.
Examples
- The holly plant is often used as a Christmas decoration due to its festive red berries.
- Holly is a symbol of good luck and protection in many cultures.
Synonyms
- Ilex
- Christmas berry
Etymology
The word “Holly” comes from the Old English word “holen”, which is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*huliz”, likely meaning “holm” or “hollow”.
Usage Notes
Holly is often used to refer to the plant, but it can also be used as a metaphor for something good or pure.
Cultural References
Holly has been featured in various works of literature and art, including Charles Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol” and the song “Deck the Halls”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Good luck and holly” – a phrase used to wish someone good fortune.
Related Words or Phrases
- Ivy
- Evergreen
Collocations
- Holly wreath
- Holly leaf
Frequency of Use
Holly is a relatively common word in English language, with a frequency of use ranked #14,000 out of 170,000 words in the COCA Corpus.
Common Misspellings
- Hollye
- Holli