grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce grapevine (audio)
Synonyms of grapevinenext
1
: grape sense 2
2
a
: an informal person-to-person means of circulating information or gossip
heard it through the grapevine
b
: a secret source of information

Examples of grapevine in a Sentence

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.
Bos heard through the grapevine that other contenders for the job were located seven hours away. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The soils left behind typically drain well while retaining enough moisture to help grapevines endure summer’s heat. — Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 The other varieties planted at these Sonoma vineyards are mostly carignane, petite sirah and a few white grapevines thrown in. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 Lunch Stop The narrow staircase at A Padaria do Povo emerges into a lively courtyard canopied by grapevines. — Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grapevine

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grapevine was circa 1736

Rhymes for grapevine

See All Rhymes for grapevine

Browse Nearby Words

grape tree
grapevine
Grapevine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grapevine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapevine. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grapevine

noun
grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce grapevine (audio)
1
: grape sense 2
2
: an unofficial means of spreading information or gossip from person to person

Geographical Definition

Grapevine

geographical name

Grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce Grapevine (audio)
city in northern Texas northeast of Fort Worth population 46,334
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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