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 Tons of shoppers are buying up artificial greenery, like this gorgeous wreath and this adorable tulip bouquet. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 Hibiscus, oleander and other colorful blossoms decorate the facades as does the occasional flower wreath that’s hung on May 1 to celebrate the start of spring. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 No pesticides or herbicides were used on the wreath, and it can be hung indoors or outdoors under a covering. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 Musk laid a wreath at the wall of death and took part in a short ceremony and service by the Birkenau memorial, the European Jewish Association (EJA) said in a statement emailed to The Post. Taylor Telford, Washington Post, 22 Jan. 2024 To mark the bicentenary of his death, the Greek Ambassador to the United Kingdom will lay a wreath at Byron’s statue in Trinity College. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 On Friday, a military holiday in Russia known as Defender of the Fatherland Day, Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns on the Kremlin wall. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 Artificial holiday trees and wreaths with metal components can be recycled year-round in the scrap metal area at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents’ Convenience Center in Marriottsville. Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2024 Pottery Barn Dried With A Flourish Wreath Bright and natural, this wreath adds a pop of texture and spring color to the front door without being overwhelming. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wreath.' 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near wreath

Cite this Entry

“Wreath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreath. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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