Pronunciation: [hˈɒli] (IPA) 
The word "holly" is spelled with a silent "H," which means that the "H" is not pronounced at the beginning of the word. The word is pronounced as [ˈhɑli] in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The letter "O" is pronounced as [ɑ], which makes the sound of "ah." The double "L" is pronounced as [l], as in "love." Holly is a type of shrub or small tree that is commonly associated with Christmas decorations.
Holly refers to an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the genus Ilex, typically known for its glossy, spiky leaves that feature sharp, pointed edges. The term commonly encompasses a variety of species within the Ilex genus, which are widespread across temperate regions of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Holly plants typically have a compact and rounded appearance, with a varying range of heights depending on the specific species.
In addition to their attractive foliage, holly plants produce small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in spring and are often pollinated by bees. These flowers give way to bright, vibrant berries, predominantly red, although they can also be yellow, orange, or black, adding a splash of color during the winter months. Holly berries are a notable characteristic, often persisting long after the leaves have fallen.
Holly plants have long had cultural significance and are particularly associated with Christmas traditions in Western cultures, symbolizing rebirth, protection, and hope. They are often used to decorate homes during the festive season, with its bright red berries representing vitality amidst the winter stillness. Additionally, holly leaves and berries have been used in various folk medicines for their supposed healing properties.
The word "holly" can also denote the wood of the holly tree, which is dense, smooth, and often used in carpentry and engraving, due to its fine grain and durability. Overall, holly is a versatile plant, treasured for its aesthetic appeal, cultural symbolism, and practical applications.
An evergreen shrub having prickly leaves, and producing clusters of red berries; the holm-tree; called also the holm.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "holly" has its origins in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word "holegn", which was then pronounced as "holen" or "holin". This word eventually evolved into "holly" as we know it today.
