envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
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 noun

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
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.
Also, multiple light sources help too—try a reading lamp, a bedside sconce, and a small table lamp for a soft, relaxing glow that envelopes you after a long day. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 2 July 2025 Monday's Ohio River flood enveloped about a mile of Cincinnati Parks' property, 60 acres in all, from Smale Riverfront Park across from Paycor Stadium to Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman's Cove near the Montgomery Inn Boathouse restaurant. Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 So much of that first encounter with croup was enveloped in the fear of the unknown. Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Something enveloped it and pulled it toward the surface. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for envelop

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of envelop was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Envelop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envelop. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

envelop

verb
en·​vel·​op in-ˈvel-əp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering
envelopment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on envelop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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