sheath

noun

plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheath (audio) ˈshēths How to pronounce sheath (audio)
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
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.
Their evidence would have included DNA evidence that linked him to a knife sheath found at the crime scene. July 2, CBS News, 2 July 2025 He was arrested in December 2022 in Pennsylvania after forensic evidence linked him to the murders, including DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene and cellphone data placing him near the victims' home multiple times. Jan. 4, 2023 Kohberger was extradited to Idaho on Jan. 4, 2023. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025 But in court filings, defense lawyers have floated the idea that the knife sheath found in the Moscow home could have been planted by the real killer. Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 28 June 2025 Intrigued, researchers sent the sheath for further analysis and CT scans. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sheath

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheath. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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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