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

Zai encounters them inside and on the streets, as a sense of terror envelops her. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Then follow the flavor west to the famed wine region of Utiel-Requena, where more than 98,000 acres of vineyards, many focused on the Bobal red grape, envelop the landscape. — Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

Ma, like Lucas, evokes dreamlike scenography that heightens and shifts emotion through enveloping atmospheres. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Every morning, the entire complex is enveloped in repetitive dance music adapted from popular songs of twenty years ago. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 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