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envoi

noun
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en·​voi | \ ˈen-ˌvoi How to pronounce envoi (audio) , ˈän- How to pronounce envoi (audio) \
variants: or envoy

Definition of envoi

: the usually explanatory or commendatory concluding remarks to a poem, essay, or book especially : a short final stanza of a ballad serving as a summary or dedication

Examples of envoi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An environmental envoi, perhaps, with Buzz washed up on a beach alongside other jetsam, or clogging the gullet of a whale? — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, "“Toy Story 4” Plays It Again," 21 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'envoi.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of envoi

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for envoi

Middle English envoye, from Middle French envoi, literally, message, from Old French envei, from enveier to send on one's way, from Vulgar Latin *inviare, from Latin in- + via way — more at way

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Time Traveler for envoi

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The first known use of envoi was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Envoi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envoi. Accessed 7 Jul. 2020.

More from Merriam-Webster on envoi

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for envoi

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about envoi

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