grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

1

: grape sense 2

2

a

: an informal person-to-person means of circulating information or gossip

heard it through the grapevine

b

: a secret source of information

Examples of grapevine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

John Climacus, a theologian who died in the seventh century, believed the cure for envy was to see other people the way a winemaker sees a grapevine. —Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026

Other brassica plants, like cauliflower, may also not be the best choice for growing near grapevines. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

Surrounded by 28 acres of grapevines and rolling farmland, this beautiful resort draws its look from the working countryside with standalone-style only accommodations, luxury amenities, and a polished farm-house design. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026

Each flower is made from a smooth fabric material, while the grapevine base, leaves, and stems are made from a durable plastic. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grapevine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

1

: grape sense 2

2

: an unofficial means of spreading information or gossip from person to person

Geographical Definition

Grapevine

geographical name

Grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

city in northern Texas northeast of Fort Worth population 46,334