wreath

noun

ˈrēth 

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz  ˈrēths 

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

Snag a floral wreath or festive centerpiece to bring a bit of holiday cheer to your home. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026

Thecla humiliates him by ripping his robe and tearing the wreath off his head. —Christy Cobb, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026

Those wreaths represented the seven people who died in a plane crash last month at a regional airport in Statesville. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2026

There were seven wreaths on the stage where Mitchell, Biffle and former drivers Jeff Burton and Phil Parsons addressed the crowd. —Steve Reed, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing wreath

• Advent wreath
• bridal wreath

Rhymes for wreath

• neath
• sheath
• teeth
• beneath
• bequeath
• underneath

Kids Definition

wreath

noun

ˈrēth 

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz  ˈrēths 

: something twisted or woven into a circular shape

a wreath of flowers