sheath

noun

\ ˈshēth

plural sheaths\ˈshēt͟hz,

ˈshēths \

Definition of sheath

1 : a case for a blade (as of a knife)

2 : an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: such as

a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted

b(1) : the lower part of a leaf when surrounding the stem

(2) : an ensheathing spathe

3 : any of various covering or supporting structures that resemble in appearance or function the sheath of a blade: such as

a : sheathing sense 2

b : a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt

c British : condom sense 1

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about sheath

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Examples of sheath in a Sentence

the sheath of a sword a piece of wire covered with a plastic sheath

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to his bloody clothes, Kastberg also had an empty knife sheath on his belt, filings show. — Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, "Holland man allegedly kills estranged wife and tells witness, ‘the dogs did that’," 3 July 2018 Trim logs for the fire, cut rope for the tent or cut apple slices for the kids with this handsome new 6-inch, steel-blade knife with a walnut handle and waxed canvas sheath. — Sara Kennedy, The Seattle Times, "7 fun additions for your camping kit," 2 July 2018 Amal Clooney was among the first to arrive in this most amazing sunshine-yellow Stella McCartney midi-sheath. — Elizabeth Wellington, Philly.com, "Royal wedding fashion: Meghan Markle sparkles in Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy | Elizabeth Wellington," 19 May 2018 Yesterday, Meghan Markle made a stunning appearance at the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception in a sunny yellow Brandon Maxwell sheath dress. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Broke Her Streak of Wearing Female-Led Brands at Official Events," 6 July 2018 And today at the Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception at Kensington Palace, the Duchess sought to marry her American heritage with her new role in Brandon Maxwell’s cheery sunflower yellow sheath dress. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Nods to the Fourth of July By Wearing This American Label," 5 July 2018 The Duchess of Sussex chose a bright yellow Brandon Maxwell sheath dress (which is currently on sale!) for a Thursday’s London reception celebrating young leaders from around the Commonwealth. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE.com, "Meghan Markle Goes Form-Fitting in Rare Sleeveless Dress at Royal Event - and Brings Back Her Bun!," 5 July 2018 The structures look like hair but are really bacterial cell structures that have been encased in a sheath. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "Meet the top 10 new species of 2018," 23 May 2018 On the simple side: Laura Dern’s sheath with a capelet sleeve by Calvin Klein by Appointment and Mary J. Blige’s white Atelier Versace gown with an asymmetric sleeve detail. — Valli Herman, latimes.com, "Something up their sleeve? More standout looks from the Oscars," 5 Mar. 2018

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