grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

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

States with hardwood trees, roses, hops, grapevines and stone fruits like peaches, plums and cherries should be concerned with the bugs. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 30 July 2025

Each one faces the gardens, saltwater pool and small plot of grapevines. —Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

For many residents and visitors, Temecula’s wineries are an attraction, with tours, restaurants, and stunning hills covered with rows of grapevines. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025

Exotic locusts present a serious threat to U.S. agriculture due to them feeding on a variety of plants, including crops like grapevines, citrus trees, deciduous orchard trees, and vegetables, Customs and Border Protection officials said. —Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grapevine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

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 

city in northern Texas northeast of Fort Worth population 46,334