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

The walls, doors, moldings, and ceilings are now bathed in three different warm hues that envelop the spaces seamlessly, creating a chromatic narrative more akin to a painting than a sleek, big-city apartment. — Valentina Lonati, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026

The Mexican singer paints the picture of dancing with someone new to get over an ex but just like with Tokischa and Karol, the sadness envelops her. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

The sheer scale of Scott’s art is one of his primary modes to engage an audience, like creating an environment that envelops a room. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

The blur outside becomes enveloping and unfathomable; the universe inside the car evolves as the friends invent tension-defusing rituals to keep from screaming at one another. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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