agrifoglio
masculine
The Italian word for holly is agrifoglio.
agrifoglio is used to refer to any of the various shrubs or small trees belonging to the genus Ilex.
Meaning: any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Ilex (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
agrifoglio is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- In some Italian regional traditions, the agrifoglio was believed to ward off evil spirits and lightning if planted near a doorway.
- The name agrifoglio literally translates to 'sharp leaf' or 'bitter leaf' in English. This refers to the prickly, pointed texture of the plant's leaves.
- The Latin root acer in agrifoglio is the same root that gives English the word 'acrid', referring to a sharp or bitter smell.
Examples in context
- C'erano vischio e agrifoglio ovunque.There was mistletoe and holly everywhere.This sentence shows the use of agrifoglio alongside mistletoe.Tatoeba #12935761 by Guybrush88, translation #12141813 by CK
- Vedo tante piantine di agrifoglio nelle vetrine durante le feste di Natale.I see many holly plants in shop windows during the Christmas holidays.
- Mia nonna ha decorato l'albero con dello spino natalizio.My grandma decorated the tree with holly.
- L'agrifoglio ha delle foglie lucide.The holly has shiny leaves.
- Ho comprato un piccolo agrifoglio per il balcone.I bought a small holly for the balcony.
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are decorating their living room for Christmas.
- SofiaFrancesco, dove hai messo l'agrifoglio?Francesco, where did you put the holly?
- FrancescoÈ sul tavolo in cucina, Sofia.It is on the kitchen table, Sofia.
- SofiaGrazie, lo metto subito sul camino.Thanks, I'll put it on the mantelpiece right away.
- FrancescoOttima idea, starà benissimo lì.Great idea, it will look wonderful there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holly” translations and entries agrifoglio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agrifoglio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
