wrap

1 of 3

verb

ˈrap 

wrapped; wrapping

transitive verb

1

a

: to cover especially by winding or folding

b

: to envelop and secure for transportation or storage : bundle

c

: enfold, embrace

d

: to coil, fold, draw, or twine (such as string or cloth) around something

2

a

: surround, envelop

b

: to suffuse or surround with an aura or state

the affair was wrapped in scandal

c

: to involve completely : engross

—usually used with up

3

: to conceal or obscure as if by enveloping

4

: to enclose as if with a protective covering

5

: to finish filming or recording

wrap a movie

intransitive verb

1

: to wind, coil, or twine so as to encircle or cover something

2

: to put on clothing : dress

—usually used with up

3

: to be subject to covering, enclosing, or packaging

—usually used with up

4

: to come to completion in filming or recording

wrap

2 of 3

noun

1

a(1)

: wrapper, wrapping

(2)

: material used for wrapping

plastic wrap

b

: an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person

especially : an outer garment (such as a coat or shawl)

c

: blanket

d

: a treatment for the care of the skin in which material (such as hot wet cloth or seaweed) is wrapped around the entire body

also : this material

2

: a single turn or convolution of something wound around an object

3

wraps plural

a

: restraint

b

: a shroud of secrecy

a plan kept under wraps

4

: the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording

5

: a thin flat piece of bread that is rolled around a filling (as of meat, fish, or vegetables)

wrap

3 of 3

adjective

: wraparound sense 1

Synonyms of wrap

Verb

• bandage
• circle
• girt
• tape
• gird
• belt

Noun

• cloak
• veil
• shroud
• blanket
• covering

Examples of wrap in a Sentence

Verb

They were busy wrapping presents late on Christmas Eve.

Ribbons were wrapped around the dancers' arms.

She wrapped a scarf around her neck.

He wrapped tape around the bat's handle.

I wrapped my arms around her.

She wrapped her legs around a pillow.

He wrapped his hands around the trophy.

The line of people went out the door and wrapped around the corner.

Noun

kept the whole plan under wraps until they were ready to make a public announcement

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Plus, this tin can hold other gifts or wrapping essentials this holiday season. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025

Sleek stools with pale yellow seats wrap around its edge, while abstract art and tall column-style lights bring even more color and warmth into the room. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025

Noun

The pick put a wrap on the Chiefs’ playoff hopes, breaking a 10-year NFL postseason appearance streak for Kansas City – a time span that includes seven-straight AFC championship game appearances, five Super Bowl appearances in the last six seasons and three Vince Lombardi trophies. —Frank Nunns O'Connell, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 2025

Bee's Wrap Beeswax Wraps for Food No more reaching for plastic wrap thanks to this roll of beeswax wrap. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025

Adjective

Though, our personal favorite is this wrap knee-length sweater dress that comes in three neutral colors and can be dressed up (with some nice booties and a wool peacoat) or down (with a pair of white sneakers). —Melanie Curry, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2023

The Lakers sported athletic tape around their wrists with the word ‘redemption’ emblazoned across the pre-wrap. —Cam Kerry, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English wrappen

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Adjective

1845, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wrap

• body wrap
• gift wrap
• it's/that's a wrap
• plastic wrap
• pre-wrap
• shrink-wrap
• word wrap
• wrap one's mind around
• wrap (someone) around one's (little) finger
• wrap up

Rhymes for wrap

• app
• cap
• chap
• clap
• crap
• flap
• frap
• gap
• hap
• lap
• nap
• nappe

Kids Definition

wrap

1 of 2 verb

ˈrap 

wrapped; wrapping

1

a

: to cover especially by winding or folding

wrap a baby in a blanket

b

: to enclose and prepare (as for transportation or storage)

wrap a package

c

: embrace entry 1 sense 1

wrapped her in my arms

d

: to coil, fold, or draw about something

wrap a rubber band around the sticks

2

a

: to envelop closely or completely : surround

houses wrapped in mist

b

: to involve completely : engross

they were wrapped up in studying for exams

3

: to finish filming or recording

wrap a movie

wrap

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a covering that encloses something : wrapper

b

: material for wrapping

plastic wrap

2

: an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person

especially : a warm loose outer garment (as a coat or shawl)

3

plural : secrecy sense 2

a plan kept under wraps

4

: the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording