wreath

noun

ˈrēth How to pronounce wreath (audio)
plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz How to pronounce wreath (audio) ˈrēths How to pronounce wreath (audio)
Synonyms of wreath
1
: something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: such as
a
: a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base
a Christmas wreath
b
: a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory : garland
a laurel wreath
2
: something having a circular or coiling form
a wreath of smoke

Examples of wreath in a Sentence

The President laid a wreath of flowers on the hero's grave. The ancient Romans awarded laurel wreaths to winners of athletic contests. Every December, I put a Christmas wreath on my front door.
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.
Barnsley Resort Adairsville, Georgia Crafty kids will love Barnsley Resort, where ornament-making, gingerbread-house building and holiday wreath workshops are all part of the seasonal lineup. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2026 In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade village will be decorated with lights, garlands and wreaths, while the Frog Choir performs holiday music several times a day, according to the park. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 Choose to repaint entire pieces, or to save time, just cover up any holiday-specific designs like wreaths, lights, and snow. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2026 This is the kind of show where an opulent tea party is dramatized not just by many different plates of fancy pastries, fancy wreaths and lots of furniture, but by having all that stuff carted in by a dozen or so butlers, maids and other servants. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wreath

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wrethe, from Old English writha; akin to Old English wrīthan to twist — more at writhe

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wreath was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing wreath

Rhymes for wreath

See All Rhymes for wreath

Browse Nearby Words

wreak havoc
wreath
wreathe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wreath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreath. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wreath

noun
ˈrēth How to pronounce wreath (audio)
plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz How to pronounce wreath (audio) ˈrēths How to pronounce wreath (audio)
: something twisted or woven into a circular shape
a wreath of flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on wreath

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wreath

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wreath

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