Meaning & use

mistletoe

noun·Academic

A parasitic evergreen plant with white berries, traditionally hung indoors as a Christmas decoration.

See it in a sentence

They hung mistletoe above the doorway before the holiday party began.

According to tradition, couples who stand beneath mistletoe are supposed to kiss.

A note on using this word

Mistletoe grows attached to tree branches and draws some nutrients from its host, making it a true parasite despite its festive image.

Words with a similar meaning

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