Illustration of myrtle
- myrtle 1a
myrtle
noun
myr·tle ˈmər-tᵊl 
often attributive
1
a
: a common evergreen bushy shrub (Myrtus communis of the family Myrtaceae, the myrtle family) of southern Europe with oval to lance-shaped shiny leaves, fragrant white or rosy flowers, and black berries
b
: any of the chiefly tropical shrubs or trees comprising the myrtle family
2
a
: periwinkle entry 1 sense 1a
b
: california laurel
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The flowers atop the coffin included myrtle, also used in the Queen's wedding bouquet for her nuptials to Prince Philip. 
Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2022 The myrtle in the wreath was cut from a plant grown from a sprig in the queen's wedding bouquet in 1947. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 19 Sep. 2022 This cream contains aloe vera to retain moisture and soothe irritation, as well as lemon myrtle extract, which is abundant in skin-softening, free radical-fighting antioxidants (specifically brightening vitamin C). Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 13 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 Wax myrtle – Myrica cerifera (previously Morella cerifera) is a native evergreen tree that is winter hardy through most of Arkansas but may get nipped in the northern tier or if temperatures drop into the single digits. Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2022 Both women also included a sprig of myrtle due to its long visual associations with matrimony. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2022 For a dessert wine—a Zedda Piras digestif made from myrtle: a black beauty with flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon and white pepper. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 24 July 2022 The Athenian landscaper Helli Pangalou, known for her work with the architect Renzo Piano, designed the small garden to be somewhat reminiscent of monastic courtyards, with plantings of jasmine and myrtle. New York Times, 29 July 2022 See More
Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2022 The myrtle in the wreath was cut from a plant grown from a sprig in the queen's wedding bouquet in 1947. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 19 Sep. 2022 This cream contains aloe vera to retain moisture and soothe irritation, as well as lemon myrtle extract, which is abundant in skin-softening, free radical-fighting antioxidants (specifically brightening vitamin C). Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 13 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 Wax myrtle – Myrica cerifera (previously Morella cerifera) is a native evergreen tree that is winter hardy through most of Arkansas but may get nipped in the northern tier or if temperatures drop into the single digits. Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 7 Aug. 2022 Both women also included a sprig of myrtle due to its long visual associations with matrimony. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2022 For a dessert wine—a Zedda Piras digestif made from myrtle: a black beauty with flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon and white pepper. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 24 July 2022 The Athenian landscaper Helli Pangalou, known for her work with the architect Renzo Piano, designed the small garden to be somewhat reminiscent of monastic courtyards, with plantings of jasmine and myrtle. New York Times, 29 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English mirtille, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin myrtillus, from Latin myrtus, from Greek myrtos
First Known Use
1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing myrtle
Kids Definition
myrtle
noun
myr·tle ˈmər-tᵊl
1
: an evergreen shrub of southern Europe with fragrant flowers
2
: periwinkle entry 1