any evergreen shrub or tree of the myrtaceous genus Myrtus, esp M. communis, a S European shrub with pink or white flowers and aromatic blue-black berries
2. short for crape myrtle
3.
bog myrtle
another name for sweet gale
4. creeping myrtle
Word origin
C16: from Medieval Latin myrtilla, from Latin myrtus, from Greek murtos
Myrtle in American English
(ˈmɜrtəl)
noun
a feminine name
Word origin
< myrtle
myrtle in American English
(ˈmɜrtəl)
noun
1.
any of a genus (Myrtus) of plants of the myrtle family, with evergreen leaves, white or pinkish flowers,and dark, fragrant berries
2.
any of various other plants, as the periwinkle and the California laurel
adjective
3.
designating a family (Myrtaceae, order Myrtales) of dicotyledonous, evergreen treesand shrubs, including eucalyptus, guava, clove, and blue gum
Word origin
ME mirtille < OFr myrtille < ML myrtillus, dim. < L myrtus < Gr myrtos, myrtle, prob. < Sem; ? akin to Ar murr, myrrh
Examples of 'myrtle' in a sentence
myrtle
They stood with their backs to the shiny-leaved camellias, beneath the dripping myrtle trees and magnolias.
Philip Marsden THE MAIN CAGES (2003)
The broad, wrap-around porch burst with potted scarlet and ginger orchids, crepe myrtle, and creeping ivy.
Bill Adler and Mel Watkins WHO KILLED TIFFANY JONES? (2003)