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

The week of October 27 is when the grapevines should be at or near peak in Sonoma County, timed perfectly to the fall harvest season when wineries and hotels often host special events and menus to celebrate the season’s bounty. —Lyndsey Matthews, AFAR Media, 4 Sep. 2025

Wreath Crafted from high-quality foam and natural grapevine, this 20-inch wreath adds a touch of fall flair to a front door, fireplace, or centerpiece. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025

Here, grapevines twist on the limestone slopes below—feeding crisp Malvasia poured at terrace cafés. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Sometimes victims found him through the grapevine. —Stayton Bonner, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2025

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