engulf

verb

en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
en-
engulfed; engulfing; engulfs
Synonyms of engulfnext

transitive verb

1
: to flow over and enclose : overwhelm
the mounting seas threatened to engulf the island
2
: to take in (food) by or as if by flowing over and enclosing
engulfment noun

Examples of engulf in a Sentence

The valley was engulfed in a thick fog. high waves from the hurricane engulfed large areas of the coastal community
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Italy formally protested on Saturday the release on bail of the owner of a Swiss bar engulfed in a deadly New Year's Day fire and recalled its ambassador to Switzerland, as the court's decision came under criticism in both countries. Reuters, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026 The first crews on the scene found the two-story vacant building fully engulfed in flames, the fire department said. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026 The sheriff's office says that deputies attempted multiple times to enter the home, but the first floor was engulfed in flames and smoke. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 Getty Images Naomi Osaka’s latest match at the Australian Open was engulfed in controversy because Sorana Cirstea was not feeling Osaka’s self-motivation tactics on court, but Osaka apologized after the victory. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engulf

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engulf was in 1555

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Cite this Entry

“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engulf. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

engulf

verb
en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
: to flow over and enclose : overwhelm
engulfment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on engulf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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