envelop

1 of 2

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

envelopment

2 of 2

noun

en·​vel·​op·​ment ə̇nˈveləpmənt 

enˈ-

plural -s

1

: the act of enveloping or the state of being enveloped

2

: an attack directed against one or both flanks or the rear of the enemy's forces and usually accompanied by an attack against his front

3

: two consecutive binds in fencing carrying the opponent's blade in a complete circle

Synonyms of envelop

Verb

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

Examples of envelop in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Architect Ma Yansong's big, billowing building almost seems to hover around and envelop the surrounding structures, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

The shoes featured a high-cut vamp that enveloped most of the front of the foot, with visible seams going down the center of the vamp and along the sides, providing more structure for the soft leather shoes. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

After driving to the 1-yard line, Sean McVay called a quarterback sneak, one that ended with Stafford being enveloped in an avalanche of bodies, including Warner’s. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Earth is enveloped by an atmosphere that consists of about 78 percent nitrogen gas (N2). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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