poison ivy

noun

1
a
: a climbing plant (Toxicodendron radicans synonym Rhus radicans) of the cashew family that is especially common in the eastern and central U.S., that has ternate leaves, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash
b
: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy
2
: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Illustration of poison ivy

Illustration of poison ivy
  • poison ivy 1a

Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence

I got poison ivy all over my arm.
Recent Examples on the Web Anyone can experience contact dermatitis, especially if you are exposed to an irritant in a high enough concentration (such as to bleach or poison ivy). Amanda Gardner, Health, 4 Mar. 2024 The impact as greenhouse gas emissions continue to warm the planet will touch everything from native wildlife and plant hardiness zones to poison ivy and potholes. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 But unlike poison ivy and oak, poison sumac's leaves grow in pairs. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 July 2023 This product stands out from others on the market because it was created with specific skin conditions in mind, such as mild eczema, psoriasis, bug bites, and poison ivy. Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023 Poison Ivy Poison ivy is caused by skin contact with the poison ivy plant and looks like a red, blistering rash that's extremely itchy, says Dr. Yadav. Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 8 Sep. 2023 The blistering looked like a separation of the upper layers of the skin from each other and was similar to an inflamed reaction to poison ivy. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2023 The goats eat invasive species and other unwanted plants such as poison ivy, said Quincy Crow, owner and president of Open Space TX. Isabella Volmert, Dallas News, 9 Aug. 2023 In addition to being effective for relieving itch from bug bites, the cream also works to relieve minor symptoms related to poison ivy, a skin rash, or allergic reaction, among other minor skin ailments that cause itchy skin. Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poison ivy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of poison ivy was in 1782

Dictionary Entries Near poison ivy

Cite this Entry

“Poison ivy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison%20ivy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

poison ivy

noun
1
: a usually climbing plant that is related to the sumacs, has leaves usually with three leaflets, greenish flowers, white berries, and leaves and stems that when bruised and touched may cause an itching rash on the skin
2
: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Medical Definition

poison ivy

noun
1
a
: a climbing plant of the genus Rhus (R. radicans synonym Toxicodendron radicans) that is especially common in the eastern and central United States, that has leaves in groups of three, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an acutely irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash
b
: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy
especially : poison oak sense 1b
2
: a skin rash produced by poison ivy

More from Merriam-Webster on poison ivy

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