encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-,
 also  -ˈkäm-
encompassed; encompassing; encompasses

transitive verb

1
a
: include, comprehend
a plan that encompasses a number of aims
b
2
a
: to form a circle about : enclose
b
obsolete : to go completely around
3
: bring about, accomplish
encompass a task
encompassment
in-ˈkəm-pə-smənt How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-
 also  -ˈkäm-
noun

Examples of encompass in a Sentence

The district encompasses most of the downtown area. a neighborhood encompassed by a highway
Recent Examples on the Web Whole genome duplication events occur when two species’ genomes collide to form a new, larger genome, encompassing all the traits of the two parental species. Serina Desalvio, Discover Magazine, 18 Nov. 2023 Big Bend, in southwestern Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border, Big Bend, encompasses around 800,000 acres. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2023 The district also encompasses several affluent communities in Oakland County, a sprawling suburban area north of Detroit that is home to most of the region’s Jewish population. Charles Homans, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2023 Phases 2 and 3 of reopening, encompassing the rest of the hotels and resorts north of Lahaina, began on Nov. 1. Jack Kiyonaga, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Nov. 2023 Mayan's work encompasses themes like connection and otherness, gay culture, intimacy and relationships and is characterized by senses of humanity and empathy. Photovogue, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2023 Today, the sector has a much broader definition, encompassing everything from open finance and neobanks to digital lending platforms. Sanchit Dhote, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2023 Anna Strong is running for the capital city's School Board from the district's Zone 5 that encompasses north-central Little Rock. Cynthia Howell, arkansasonline.com, 12 Nov. 2023 The almost 7,300-square-foot aerie encompasses the entire 11th and 12th floors of the residential tower and has a private rooftop with 270-degree views overlooking the endless horizon and Miami’s ever-evolving skyline. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encompass.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of encompass was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near encompass

Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

encompass

verb
en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
-ˈkäm-
1
: to form a circle about : surround
2
a
: to cover or surround especially so as to hide or protect
b
: to take in as a part : include
encompassment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on encompass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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