sheath

noun

plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheath (audio)
ˈshēths
1
: a case for a blade (as of a knife)
2
: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: such as
a
: the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted
b(1)
: the lower part of a leaf when surrounding the stem
(2)
: an ensheathing spathe
3
: any of various covering or supporting structures that resemble in appearance or function the sheath of a blade: such as
b
: a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt
c
British : condom sense 1

Examples of sheath in a Sentence

the sheath of a sword a piece of wire covered with a plastic sheath
Recent Examples on the Web For us, the through line running across the 2021 reds in the range includes gorgeous aromatics and a beautiful combination of black fruit, earth, and spice elements wrapped up in luxurious tannins and a sheath of shimmering acidity. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024 Nath notes that the protective sheaths of many viruses include regions that can interfere with the immune system. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2024 According to the affidavit, which was reviewed by PEOPLE, a sheath of the knife used in the stabbings was left at the scene in the bed where Mogen and Goncalves were found deceased. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 Ideal for holiday parties or upscale dinners, this midi sheath dress is a versatile piece that flatters and captivates. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2023 Atop a base of black sheath dresses, coats and jackets were wrenched off the shoulder and blossomed over the hips in a New Look-on-steroids silhouette; exaggerated Poiret dresses ballooned to the calves; and intarsia ravens and roses were scattered over it all. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Frankel, 53, rocked a red-and-pink plaid design with a tiered bubble skirt and red pointy-toe heels, while Bryn, 13, donned a slim-fitting red sheath style and white patent leather ankle booties. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 9 Dec. 2023 The blaze destroyed the entirety of Notre-Dame’s attic, melted the roof’s lead sheath and seriously endangered the stability of the stone structure. Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2023 Wearing clothing of her own design — a gray, Empire-style gown that parted down the center to reveal a cream sheath underneath — Streisand, then 21, performed three songs. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sheath.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shethe, going back to Old English scǣþ, scēaþ (Northumbrian sceǣþ), scēþ, going back to Germanic *skaiþjō or *skaiþō (whence also Old Frisian skēthe "sheath," Old Saxon skēdia, skēthia, Old High German skeida, Old Icelandic skeiðir, plural), probably noun derivative of *skaiđan-/skaiþan- "to separate, divide" — more at shed entry 1

Note: The original meaning of the Germanic noun was presumably "something split, separated," i.e., two pieces that are split (literally or metaphorically) and that together held the blade; note that the Old Norse noun was plural (the singular skeið meant "weaver's reed, silver spoon").

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near sheath

Cite this Entry

“Sheath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheath. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sheath

noun
plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheath (audio)
ˈshēths
1
: a case for a blade (as of a knife)
2
: a covering especially of a body part that is like a sheath in form or use

Medical Definition

sheath

noun
plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheath (audio) ˈshēths How to pronounce sheath (audio)
1
: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as
a
: the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted
b
: the connective tissue of an organ or part that binds together its component elements and holds it in place
2
sheathed adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sheath

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