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Definition of kneeholly
kneeholly
/ˈniːˌhɒl.i/
knee · hol · ly
Plural:kneehollies
kneeholly Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A low-growing evergreen Eurasian shrub in the asparagus family, characterized by stiff, flattened stems that function as and resemble prickly leaves, and which bears bright red berries; commonly known as butcher's broom.
Example
"The gardener planted kneeholly along the shaded woodland borders, appreciating its resilience and striking red winter berries."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for kneehollyWord Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'knee' and 'holly', referencing the plant's typical height (growing roughly to knee level) and its prickly, holly-like foliage.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kneeholly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kneeholly