Definition of encompass
transitive verb
1a : to form a circle about : encloseb obsolete : to go completely around
2a : envelopb : include, comprehend a plan that encompasses a number of aims
3 : bring about, accomplish encompass a task
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of encompass in a Sentence
The district encompasses most of the downtown area.
a neighborhood encompassed by a highway
Recent Examples of encompass from the Web
-
These global races encompass the most difficult terrain in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.
-
Nobody had the nerve to challenge his all-encompassing power.
-
Laland is a high-profile advocate for the idea of niche construction, a term from evolutionary theory that encompasses burrows, beaver dams and nests of birds and termites.
-
On June 17, National Institute of Flamenco executive director Eva Encinias-Sandoval will give a free flamenco lecture at the National Hispanic Cultural Center encompassing the event’s history.
-
In fact, the changes go beyond questions of medium to encompass even the tone of movies at the festival.
-
The property encompasses buildings from the northeast corner of St. Francis and St. Joseph streets, and stretches down Royal Street from St. Joseph, and from St. Francis to St. Michael streets.
-
The undertaking encompasses his recordings of such fare, which have then been made available through his website, www.mcguinn.com.
-
The all-encompassing joy that Ryan experiences each time Ryan lands a chip square in the 10,000 slot?
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'encompass'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of encompass
Middle English
First Known Use: 14th century
ENCOMPASS Defined for English Language Learners
encompass
playDefinition of encompass for English Language Learners
-
: to include (something) as a part
-
: to cover or surround (an area)
ENCOMPASS Defined for Kids
Learn More about encompass
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for encompass Spanish Central: Translation of encompass Nglish: Translation of encompass for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of encompass for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up encompass? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!