grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce grapevine (audio)
1
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When experienced British trainer Joe Gallagher revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with stage-four liver and bowel cancer, Al-Sheikh had already been in touch after hearing of his illness via the boxing grapevine. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 Douro Valley, Portugal The Douro Valley, along the scenic Douro River, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with terraces lined with grapevines cultivated for centuries to produce renowned wines, especially Port. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Made with silk flowers and natural grapevine, the indoor-outdoor wreath would do best behind a glass door or on a covered porch where it can be protected from sun damage. Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025 Except Himmelstein tends to use her grapevine powers to mainly help out Dr. Tom Cole, a British second-year surgery resident. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grapevine

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grapevine was circa 1736

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Grapevine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapevine. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

grapevine

noun
grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce grapevine (audio)
1
2
: an unofficial means of spreading information or gossip from person to person

Geographical Definition

Grapevine

geographical name

Grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce Grapevine (audio)
city in northern Texas northeast of Fort Worth population 46,334
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