any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
"The garden was filled with holly, its dark green leaves edged in sharp points and dotted with bright red berries."
United States rock star (1936-1959)
"The legendary rock and roll singer Holly was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of twenty-two."
Any of various shrubs or (mostly) small trees, of the genus Ilex, either evergreen or deciduous, used as decoration especially at Christmas.
"We arranged a wreath of holly on the door to celebrate the holiday season."
In plain English: Holly is an evergreen plant with spiky green leaves and bright red berries that people often use to decorate homes during winter holidays.
"The children hung holly with bright red berries on their front door for Christmas."
Usage: Holly refers to an evergreen plant with spiny leaves and red berries that is traditionally used for holiday decorations. Do not confuse this specific shrub type with other greenery simply because they are all used in winter arrangements.
A female given name from English.
"Her grandmother named her Holly after a traditional Christmas tree, but it was chosen as a strong female given name from English folklore."
The word "holly" comes from the Middle English term for the plant itself, which was a shortened form of an Old English word meaning both the tree and a protector. Its roots likely trace back to ancient terms related to breaking or beating, though its specific journey into modern English simply preserved this original name for the evergreen shrub.