Illustration of ivy
- ivy 1
ivy
1 of 2noun
ˈī-vē 
plural ivies
1
: a widely cultivated ornamental climbing or prostrate or sometimes shrubby chiefly Eurasian vine (Hedera helix) of the ginseng family with evergreen leaves, small yellowish flowers, and black berries
2
: any of several climbing plants (such as Virginia creeper) resembling ivy
especially : poison ivy
3
often capitalized : an Ivy League college
ivy
2 of 2adjective
1
: academic
2
: ivy league
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Sep. 2022 There are several different types of these plants, including zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums, scented geraniums, and regal geraniums. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022 Many of the structure’s original details like the terrazzo tiling on the first and second floors were thoughtfully preserved, while a palette of ivy green, cherry, and ivory and a mix of woods, stone, and copper subtly bridge the old and new. Katie Chang, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Finally, the bride carried a cascading bouquet of gardenias, stephanotis, odontoglossum orchid, lily of the valley, Earl Mountbatten roses, freesia, veronica, ivy, myrtle and tradescantia down the aisle. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 12 Aug. 2022 As a houseplant, the ivy grows well in hanging baskets or pots, and can be trained to grow along a trellis or shape, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Erica Sweeney, Good Housekeeping, 29 July 2022 To dress up the space, JGS also prescribed a variety of shade plants including shrubs, colorful hydrangea, day lilies, cranesbill and ivy that shared the yard with sun-loving clusters of tall grasses, rose bushes and brown-eyed Susans. Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 21 July 2021 This hardy ivy thrives in pots, hanging baskets, or mixed with other taller houseplants in a shared pot. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 21 July 2022 She was dressed as the character ‘Poison Ivy’ – wearing black yoga pants, ivy leaves and a dark wig. Dateline Nbc, NBC News, 15 July 2022 Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 21 June 2017 See More
Noun
Poison ivy takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, the process of using sunlight to make food from CO2 and water. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Sep. 2022 There are several different types of these plants, including zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums, scented geraniums, and regal geraniums. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022 Many of the structure’s original details like the terrazzo tiling on the first and second floors were thoughtfully preserved, while a palette of ivy green, cherry, and ivory and a mix of woods, stone, and copper subtly bridge the old and new. Katie Chang, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Finally, the bride carried a cascading bouquet of gardenias, stephanotis, odontoglossum orchid, lily of the valley, Earl Mountbatten roses, freesia, veronica, ivy, myrtle and tradescantia down the aisle. Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 12 Aug. 2022 As a houseplant, the ivy grows well in hanging baskets or pots, and can be trained to grow along a trellis or shape, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Erica Sweeney, Good Housekeeping, 29 July 2022 To dress up the space, JGS also prescribed a variety of shade plants including shrubs, colorful hydrangea, day lilies, cranesbill and ivy that shared the yard with sun-loving clusters of tall grasses, rose bushes and brown-eyed Susans. Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 21 July 2021 This hardy ivy thrives in pots, hanging baskets, or mixed with other taller houseplants in a shared pot. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 21 July 2022 She was dressed as the character ‘Poison Ivy’ – wearing black yoga pants, ivy leaves and a dark wig. Dateline Nbc, NBC News, 15 July 2022 Adjective
The actress, who's known for being something of an amateur equestrian, appears to be bending over to give her horse Ivy water through a tiny straw. Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, 21 June 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Old English īfig; akin to Old High German ebah ivy
Adjective
from the prevalence of ivy-covered buildings on the campuses of older U.S. colleges
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing ivy
Kids Definition
ivy
noun
ˈī-vē
plural ivies
1
: a climbing vine with evergreen leaves and black berries often found growing on buildings
2
: a climbing plant that resembles ivy