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fold

verb (1)
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\ ˈfōld How to pronounce fold (audio) \
folded; folding; folds

Definition of fold

 (Entry 1 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to lay one part over another part of fold a letter
2 : to reduce the length or bulk of by doubling over fold a tent
3 : to clasp together : entwine fold the hands
4 : to clasp or enwrap closely : embrace
5a : to incorporate (a food ingredient) into a mixture by repeated gentle overturnings without stirring or beating
b : to incorporate closely
6a : to concede defeat by withdrawing (one's cards) from play (as in poker)
b : to bring to an end
7 : to bend (something, such as a layer of rock) into folds

intransitive verb

1 : to become doubled or pleated
2 : to fail completely : collapse especially : to go out of business
3 : to fold one's cards (as in poker)

fold

noun (1)

Definition of fold (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : a part doubled or laid over another part : pleat
2 : a crease made by folding something (such as a newspaper)
3 : something that is folded together or that enfolds
4a : a bend or flexure produced in rock by forces operative after the depositing or consolidation of the rock
b chiefly British : an undulation in the landscape
5 : a margin apparently formed by the doubling upon itself of a flat anatomical structure (such as a membrane)

fold

noun (2)

Definition of fold (Entry 3 of 5)

1a : a group of people or institutions that share a common faith, belief, activity, or enthusiasm His former colleagues would be glad to welcome him back into the fold.
b : a flock of sheep
2 : an enclosure for sheep

fold

verb (2)
folded; folding; folds

Definition of fold (Entry 4 of 5)

transitive verb

: to pen up or confine (sheep) in a fold

-fold

suffix

Definition of -fold (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : multiplied by (a specified number) : times —in adjectives a sixfold increase and adverbs repay you tenfold
2 : having (so many) parts threefold aspect of the problem

Illustration of fold

Illustration of fold

Noun (1)

fold 4a

In the meaning defined above

Other Words from fold Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About fold

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Other Words from fold

Verb (1)

foldable \ ˈfōl-​də-​bəl How to pronounce -fold (audio) \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for fold

Synonyms: Noun (1)

Synonyms: Verb (2)

Antonyms: Verb (2)

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Examples of fold in a Sentence

Suffix It will repay you tenfold.

First Known Use of fold

Verb (1)

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

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for fold

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Old English fealdan; akin to Old High German faldan to fold, Greek diplasios twofold

Noun (2) and Verb (2)

Middle English, from Old English falod; akin to Old Saxon faled enclosure

Suffix

Middle English, from Old English -feald; akin to Old High German -falt -fold, Latin -plex, -plus, Old English fealdan

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Time Traveler for fold

Time Traveler

The first known use of fold was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fold. Accessed 20 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for fold

-fold

suffix

English Language Learners Definition of -fold

: multiplied by (a specified number) : times
: having (so many) parts

See the full definition for -fold in the English Language Learners Dictionary

fold

noun
\ ˈfōld How to pronounce fold (audio) \

Kids Definition of fold

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: an enclosure for sheep

fold

verb
folded; folding

Kids Definition of fold (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : to lay one part over or against another part fold a blanket
2 : to clasp together fold your hands
3 : embrace entry 1 sense 1 She folded the child in her arms.

fold

noun

Kids Definition of fold (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : an act or the result of laying one part over or against another With just a few folds he made a paper airplane.
2 : a part laid over another part the folds of the curtain
3 : a bend produced in a rock layer by pressure

-fold

suffix
\ ˌfōld \

Kids Definition of -fold

1 : multiplied by a specified number : times
Hint: -fold is used in adjectives a twelvefold increase and adverbs repay tenfold
2 : having so many parts a threefold problem

fold

intransitive verb
\ ˈfōld How to pronounce fold (audio) \

Medical Definition of fold

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to become doubled or pleated

fold

noun

Medical Definition of fold (Entry 2 of 2)

: a margin apparently formed by the doubling upon itself of a flat anatomical structure (as a membrane)

More from Merriam-Webster on fold

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fold

Nglish: Translation of fold for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of fold for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fold

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