holly UK /ˈhɒli/US /ˈhɑli/ noun3 •a plant brought into homes at Christmas, usually a small tree with leaves that hurt to touchWe'll deck the halls with boughs of holly. •Any of several not closely related plant species likened to Ilex because of their prickly, evergreen foliage and/or round, bright-red berries •The wood from this tree. formshollies