: a European coastal herb (Eryngium maritimum) of the carrot family with spiny leaves and pale blue flowers
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe floral arrangements include white dendrobium orchids, which were part of Queen Elizabeth's wedding bouquet in 1947, and sea holly, which echoes the Duke of Edinburgh's career in the Navy and a lifelong love of the sea. Simon Perry, PEOPLE.com, 29 Mar. 2022 Spiky blue sea holly represented Philip’s naval career and affection for the sea. Omid Scobie, Harper's BAZAAR, 29 Mar. 2022 The larger floral arrangements will feature red and white roses, carnations, gerbera, eustoma, white chrysanthemums, blue agapanthus, delphinium, and eryngium (sea holly). Emily Burack, Town & Country, 28 Mar. 2022
Word History
First Known Use
1548, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
sea holly
noun
sea hol·ly ˈsē-ˌhäl-ē
: a European coastal herb of the genus Eryngium (E. maritimum) that has spiny leaves and pale blue flowers and was formerly used as an aphrodisiac