envelop

1 of 2

verb

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

2 of 2

noun

plural -s
1
: the act of enveloping or the state of being enveloped
2
: an attack directed against one or both flanks or the rear of the enemy's forces and usually accompanied by an attack against his front
3
: two consecutive binds in fencing carrying the opponent's blade in a complete circle

Examples of envelop in a Sentence

Verb 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
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Verb
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

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

envelop

verb
: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering
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