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

Take Sophie Rowell, founder of Côte de Folk, who, in one project, recently enveloped walls and floors in a deep olive green, adding a sense of tactility by forgoing hard flooring and rugs in favor of wall-to-wall carpet. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Sinot gave Larsson’s eyes a wash of frosty white shimmer, extending the pale shadow all the way up to the brows and enveloping the inner corners to serve as a canvas for more crystals. — Marci Robin, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026

Alleged violations included wearing colorful scarves or makeup, leaving hair visible or not wearing a chador, an all-enveloping cloak-like garment. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Just a noxious river of sludge and foul wind enveloping everything in the vicinity. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 8 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