Holly
/ˈhɒli/noun
An evergreen shrub or tree with spiny leaves and red berries, often used in winter decorations.
Did you know?Holly’s Old English name was linked with sacredness, and its sharp leaves made it a traditional protective plant in European folklore.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hulisaz
“holly tree”
Old English
OE
holegn
“holly tree”
Middle English
ME
holi
“holly”
Modern English
English
holly
“the evergreen holly plant”