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encompass

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

Definition of encompass

transitive verb

1a : include, comprehend a plan that encompasses a number of aims
b : envelop
2a : to form a circle about : enclose
b obsolete : to go completely around
3 : bring about, accomplish encompass a task
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Other Words from encompass

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 Since the launch, the brand has grown to encompass a variety of contemporary bag creations. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "14 Black-Owned Handbag Brands to Know and Shop in 2021," 29 Dec. 2020 That, in turn, prompted countries to ban flights from Britain — a list that began with the Netherlands and Belgium and grew to encompass 17 European countries, as well as Canada, India, Russia, Jordan, and Hong Kong. — New York Times, "Concerns About Coronavirus Variant Cut Off U.K. From Europe," 21 Dec. 2020 The lawsuit eventually grew to encompass all the public schools in Alabama. — al, "Four Alabama sites added to the National Register of Historic Places," 14 Dec. 2020 The Glass Fire started on Sunday morning and grew to encompass the smaller Shady and Boysen fires overnight. — Shwanika Narayan, SFChronicle.com, "Empty North Bay lodgings fill up as people flee Glass Fire in Wine Country," 28 Sep. 2020 From basic bare-bones tents to luxury campers, prospecting has grown to encompass people of all backgrounds. — Zoe Zorka, USA TODAY, "Gold prospecting grows as a hobby thanks to social distancing and an uncertain economy," 28 Sep. 2020 Featuring multiple events for physically-distant audiences in locations across the Kennedy Center’s campus…programs for each event will encompass both performances and speaking tributes for the honorees. — Paul Grein, Billboard, "Garth Brooks & Joan Baez Among 2021 Kennedy Center Honorees," 13 Jan. 2021 And unlike a midweek hotel closure that went into effect after Thanksgiving, this closure will encompass the whole place. — Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY, "Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Make sure your favorite hotel is open.," 25 Dec. 2020 Charitable traditions at Christmas now encompass people of all faiths and none. — Alexandra Mullen, WSJ, "‘The Oxford Handbook of Christmas’ Review: The Making of a Holiday," 23 Dec. 2020

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.

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First Known Use of encompass

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

History and Etymology for encompass

Middle English

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Time Traveler for encompass

Time Traveler

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

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Statistics for encompass

Last Updated

2 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 12 Feb. 2021.

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More Definitions for encompass

encompass

verb
How to pronounce encompass (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of encompass

: to include (something) as a part
: to cover or surround (an area)

See the full definition for encompass in the English Language Learners Dictionary

encompass

verb
en·​com·​pass | \ in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio) \
encompassed; encompassing

Kids Definition of encompass

1 : to cover or surround : encircle Mountains encompass the peaceful valley.
2 : include The subject of social studies encompasses history, civics, and geography.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encompass

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for encompass

Nglish: Translation of encompass for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of encompass for Arabic Speakers

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