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 The property encompasses a generous 6,300 square feet of land. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 An extreme wildfire risk – the highest risk level possible – encompasses parts of Texas and Oklahoma, while feet of snow bury the Rockies and severe thunderstorms erupt in the Plains. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 Billboard has more than 200 different weekly charts, encompassing numerous genres and formats. Xander Zellner, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024 The averages for both Spanish-language networks encompass pre- and post-speech analysis and the Republican response. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has seasonal outlooks to forecast temperature and precipitation for March, April and May, encompassing the entire spring season. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 This role transcends simple tax preparation to encompass financial audits, business consulting, and holistic financial management. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Iceland encompasses famed Silfra Fissure, which is said to have the clearest and coldest water in the world. Laura Manske, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The company’s initial LA service area encompasses a hearty chunk of the city, from the Pacific Palisades to the west, Hollywood to the north, East Los Angeles to the east, and Gardena and Compton to the south. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!