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

The ball was intercepted by Duke’s Luke Mergott, and bedlam enveloped the Duke sideline. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Dec. 2025

Cars come with all-enveloping entertainment systems. —Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2025

Behind revolving doors with an Art Nouveau touch is a spacious yet enveloping multilevel space decked in dark wood, sage green velvet and dusky pink carpeting redolent of Riva boats. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 5 Dec. 2025

The Australian star has finally decided to address the storm of criticism that has enveloped Saltburn director Emerald Fennell's new vision of the classic gothic romance by Emily Brontë. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025

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