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

Creation of a legendary company amid tumult Plenty of drama enveloped the run-up to the creation of General Electric in 1892. —Michael Kilian, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

The result is the Starlight Breeze feature, which comprises 10,500 lights that subtly but stunningly envelop the cabin. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

This new round of chaos only feeds the anxiety that has enveloped the California Democratic Party for months, stirred by fears that the lack of a singular party front-runner might lead to two Republicans winding up on the November ballot. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

A little girl covered head to toe in an all-enveloping cloak furiously peddles a bicycle. —Jane Arraf, NPR, 11 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