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
When Dionne leans on Farrah, her best friend envelops her in the love Dionne’s mother is too hurt to give. Judy Berman, Time, 29 June 2026 Almost too perfectly, a news release confirming the nuptials was sent out as rain started pouring and a sense of calm enveloped the area. Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Xenophobia has enveloped South Africa for years, and now a rising tide of anti-migrant views is flooding the country. Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 29 June 2026 Neon green swirls look truly otherworldly against a haze of bright purple blanketing Earth, which also seems enveloped in a ruby red glow. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 26 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

envelop

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

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