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

Inside, the airy lobby envelopes us in the brand’s signature Le Labo scent. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026

As much as this music ties itself to the beauty of the physical world, it’s also enveloped by a thick fog. —Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026

The roughly 2,600-square-foot structure is set into a sloping site and enveloped in the natural landscape along a private road. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2026

Delroy Lindo then enveloped him in a fatherly embrace. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Mar. 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