enfold

verb

en·​fold in-ˈfōld How to pronounce enfold (audio)
en-
enfolded; enfolding; enfolds
Synonyms of enfoldnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to cover with or as if with folds : envelop
b
: to surround with a covering : contain
2
: to clasp within the arms : embrace

Synonyms of enfold

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Examples of enfold in a Sentence

The dish is made of vegetables enfolded in a pastry crust. We watched as darkness enfolded the city.
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.
Some may find this a bit too fine-grained, overly implicated in language’s self-enfolding folds. — Katie Kadue, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Hundreds of images show her embracing members of the public, friends, family, spreading her arms as wide as wings to enfold her sons. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 George’s cluckingly affectionate aunt wants to enfold Hedda in a tradition that would consign her to the role of wife and mother. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 Julia walked with her head high, at a normal pace, confident now that the slope beside her would serve as a safety net like the one that enfolded Vroni—the German welfare state. — Nell Zink, New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enfold

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of enfold was in 1566

Rhymes for enfold

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Browse Nearby Words

enfleurage
enfold
enfolder
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Cite this Entry

“Enfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enfold. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

enfold

verb
en·​fold in-ˈfōld How to pronounce enfold (audio)
1
: to cover with folds : enclose in the folds of something
2
: embrace entry 1 sense 1, hug

More from Merriam-Webster on enfold

Nglish: Translation of enfold for Spanish Speakers

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