Illustration of poison ivy
- poison ivy 1a
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
Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence
I got poison ivy all over my arm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Some allergens, like poison ivy, frequently cause blisters for most people who come in contact with them.
—
Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Causes of Allergic Blisters Contact dermatitis, a common allergic reaction, occurs when the skin comes into contact with substances like poison ivy, nickel, or certain cosmetics.
—Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Wash any fabric items that have been in contact with someone suffering from lice, poison ivy or oak, pinkeye, ringworm, etc. frequently in hot water to prevent them from spreading or causing reinfection.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2024
Their job is to clear about 5 acres of overgrown vegetation including weeds, poison ivy, poison oak and other problematic vegetation.
—Kara King, Austin American-Statesman, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison ivy 
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Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Causes of Allergic Blisters Contact dermatitis, a common allergic reaction, occurs when the skin comes into contact with substances like poison ivy, nickel, or certain cosmetics.
—Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Wash any fabric items that have been in contact with someone suffering from lice, poison ivy or oak, pinkeye, ringworm, etc. frequently in hot water to prevent them from spreading or causing reinfection.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2024
Their job is to clear about 5 acres of overgrown vegetation including weeds, poison ivy, poison oak and other problematic vegetation.
—Kara King, Austin American-Statesman, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison ivy
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 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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