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

Like a warm summer night or a third cocktail, Lemann lulls and envelops you. —Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026

The massive road project, decades in planning, has been enveloped in controversy even before getting underway. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

For Artemis, the astronauts will remain on board their capsule until the ship has enveloped the Orion in its well deck. —Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026

The dolmades include thin, tender grape leaves enveloping a sweet mixture of rice, pine nuts and herbs. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 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