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

Winter’s chill offers fragrance lovers a unique opportunity to envelop themselves in scent. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026

Clear blue skies and pleasant, if chilly, breezes are enveloping the Pharmalot campus, where the official mascots are foraging for noshes and keeping strangers at bay. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 13 Jan. 2026

The wild color story takes a breath in the living room, where neutral grass cloth envelops the walls and ceiling. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026

Kayali marked the end of 2025 with the release of Freedom Musk Matcha 45, a frothy and enveloping blend of matcha, oat milk, and sweet musk. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 Jan. 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