widely cultivated as a groundcover for its dark green shiny leaves and usually blue-violet flowers
"The gardener planted myrtle along the garden borders, where its dense rows of glossy foliage and clusters of violet blooms quickly formed an attractive low hedge."
any evergreen shrub or tree of the genus Myrtus
"The gardener pruned back the myrtle to encourage new growth on its dense, fragrant leaves."
An evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Myrtus, native to southern Europe and north Africa.
"The gardeners planted a young myrtle near the entrance to honor the ancient tradition."
In plain English: Myrtle is an evergreen shrub with small leaves and fragrant white flowers that people often plant as ornamental bushes or use to make perfume.
"The garden was filled with fragrant myrtle bushes that bloomed in spring."
Usage: Myrtle refers specifically to an aromatic evergreen plant known for its fragrant white flowers and berries, often used in traditional wreaths or perfumes. Do not confuse this botanical term with "mirtle," a common misspelling that lacks official recognition in standard dictionaries.
A female given name from English.
"Myrtle was named after her grandmother, whose middle name was also Myrtle."
The word myrtle traveled into English via the Old French myrte and Latin myrtus, ultimately originating from the Ancient Greek mýrtos. It has retained its original meaning referring to the fragrant evergreen shrub or tree.