noun

• 1An evergreen shrub which has glossy aromatic foliage and white flowers followed by purple-black oval berries.

  Myrtus communis, family Myrtaceae (the myrtle family). This family also includes several aromatic plants (clove, allspice) and many characteristic Australian plants (such as eucalyptus trees and bottlebrushes)

  ‘When I moved into my bungalow about 20 years ago, I inherited a shrub which I was given to understand is a myrtle: it is a bushy evergreen with small, dark green, glossy, pointed leaves.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘A heady, often impenetrable mix of shrubs, herbs and wild flowers, such as lavender, myrtle, marjoram and thyme, its elusive scent permeates everything from the wine to the honey.’
  • ‘Between the ruins grew cypresses and oleanders, hibiscus, myrtle and wild roses.’
  • ‘Within its protective cover, he built gleaming palaces and gardens perfumed with roses, jasmine and myrtle.’
  • ‘When growing Mediterranean herbs, such as myrtle or bay, in containers, it is best to use a soil-based compost with extra grit.’

• 2North American The lesser periwinkle.

  Vinca minor, family Apocynaceae. See periwinkle

  More example sentences

  • ‘If you were daring, you might plant myrtle (periwinkle).’