wreath

noun

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz How to pronounce wreath (audio) ˈrēths How to pronounce wreath (audio)
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.
Two Millennia of Gold Jewels The jewels on view at the fair will also trace two millennia of gold jewelry, from an Ancient Greek oak wreath, circa 4th - 3rd century B.C. being offered by Kallos Gallery. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Brandt, whose research into Fifield stemmed from just a few sentences about her in a notebook on the Fifield family history from Brandt’s late father, laid two wreaths, one on Dr. Fifield’s grave and one for the entire family. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 President Donald Trump delivered a history-laden Memorial Day speech after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his remarks echoing against the solemn backdrop of Arlington National Cemetery, final resting place of more than 400,000 veterans and their family members. Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025 The service, which featured bagpipe music, a color guard and the laying of wreaths, concluded after about an hour with the release of a dozen white doves from a woven basket. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wreath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreath. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

wreath

noun
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

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