n [ U ]
the hard, shiny, pointed, dark green leaves and red berries of the holly tree. It is especially associated with Christmas , when it is used for decoration in churches and people’s homes. A piece of holly is also often used to decorate the top of a Christmas pudding. At Christmas time pictures of holly are used on greetings cards and advertisements. Some people believe it is unlucky to bring holly into a house before Christmas Eve (24 December).