envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp 

en-

enveloped; enveloping; envelops

transitive verb

1

: to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering

2

: to mount an attack on (an enemy's flank)

envelopment

in-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms of envelop

• house
• enclose
• surround
• encase
• confine
• include

Examples of envelop in a Sentence

a chronic mistrust of outsiders envelops that neighborhood, cutting it off from the rest of the city

the truth of the presidential assassination is enveloped in a dense fog of myths and conspiracy theories

Recent Examples on the Web

Silvestrov’s melancholic strings soared around him, enveloping the duo in their sense of pining. — Lucy Gellman, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

Kardashian kicked off with a photo of herself facing away from the camera in a bathrobe while standing on a powdery beach, enveloped by a cotton candy pink sunset. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026

The tulle material at the front envelops the foot, creating a soft and delicate appearance. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

There was, instead, a stillness so enveloping that John Carpenter could have shot a lifetime of movies there. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English envolupen, from Anglo-French envoluper, envoleper, from en- + voluper to wrap

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for envelop

• develop
• redevelop

Kids Definition

envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈvel-əp 

: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering

envelopment

-mənt 

noun