trellis

1 of 2

noun

trel·​lis ˈtre-ləs 

1

: a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants

2

: a construction (such as a summerhouse) chiefly of latticework

3

: an arrangement that forms or gives the effect of a lattice

a trellis of interlacing streams

trellised

ˈtre-ləst 

adjective

Illustration of trellis

• trellis 1

trellis

2 of 2

verb

trellised; trellising; trellises

transitive verb

1

: to provide with a trellis

especially : to train (a plant, such as a vine) on a trellis

2

: to cross or interlace on or through : interweave

Examples of trellis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Clematis comes in a range of colors and can be woven on a trellis to create a dramatic shape or arch. —Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026

Vining plants and many vegetables, herbs, and flowers can be grown on trellises and shelves. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026

Verb

After installing the trellising in an existing garden, use plant clips or twine to encourage vining plants to grow upwards and then plant smaller edibles or flowers that like light shade in the shadow cast by the trellising system. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Feb. 2026

Especially for Sophie, who’s been living in the downstairs world, to get to have a dance lesson with a Bridgerton underneath the gazebo with all those flowers trellising down. —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English trelis, from Anglo-French treleis, from Old French treille arbor, from Latin trichila summerhouse

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trellis

• bellis
• felis
• fellas
• jealous
• pelisse
• zealous
• michaelis
• nucellus
• ocellus
• overzealous

Kids Definition

trellis

noun

trel·​lis

ˈtrel-əs

: a frame of lattice used especially as a screen or a support for climbing plants

trellised

ˈtrel-əst

adjective