envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
en-
enveloped; enveloping; envelops
Synonyms of envelop

transitive verb

1
: to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
2
: to mount an attack on (an enemy's flank)
envelopment
in-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce envelop (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of envelop

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Examples of envelop in a Sentence

a chronic mistrust of outsiders envelops that neighborhood, cutting it off from the rest of the city the truth of the presidential assassination is enveloped in a dense fog of myths and conspiracy theories
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After being shut out of this month's total solar eclipse, the Americas will have the best seats in the celestial house when Earth's shadow briefly envelops the moon. — CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 Save this for cold weather to truly savor its rich, enveloping smokiness. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026 The walls, doors, moldings, and ceilings are now bathed in three different warm hues that envelop the spaces seamlessly, creating a chromatic narrative more akin to a painting than a sleek, big-city apartment. — Valentina Lonati, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026 After being shut out of this month’s total solar eclipse, the Americas will have the best seats in the celestial house when Earth’s shadow briefly envelops the moon. — Marcia Dunn, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envelop

Word History

Etymology

Middle English envolupen, from Anglo-French envoluper, envoleper, from en- + voluper to wrap

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of envelop was in the 14th century

Rhymes for envelop

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Browse Nearby Words

enveil
envelop
envelope
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Cite this Entry

“Envelop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envelop. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

envelop

verb
en·​vel·​op in-ˈvel-əp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering
envelopment
-mənt How to pronounce envelop (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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