sheath

noun

Save Word

\ 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

Keep scrolling for more

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 Its protective sheath would heat up to about 2,370 degrees Farhenheit. — Sarah Scoles, Wired, "NASA Lands the Perseverance Rover on Mars," 18 Feb. 2021 Roach stitched up Arik's dura, the protective sheath between the skull and the brain, to ensure spinal fluid didn't leak and to reduce infection risk. — Star Tribune, "Fighting to live again: Shot in the head, Waseca cop endures grueling year of healing," 10 Jan. 2021 One young man carried zip ties and a knife in a belt sheath. — Los Angeles Times, "Nationwide protests authorities feared by Trump supporters fail to materialize," 17 Jan. 2021 Ivanka Trump, of course, has her own history with fashion, having effectively begun her time as her father’s surrogate while doubling as her company’s own best model in ladder-climbing sheath dresses, statement bangles, and Cinderella court shoes. — New York Times, "A Farewell to the Trump Aesthetic," 16 Jan. 2021 This roomy-yet-elegant cotton printed sheath features long sleeves and a breezy silhouette in a wide range of sizes for standard, plus-size and petites, making for a picture-perfect addition to your closet's rotation. — Arielle Tschinkel And Nicole Briese, USA TODAY, "11 perfect things to buy from Anthropologie's huge after-Christmas sale," 29 Dec. 2020 Belted and with a wide boatneck, this bargain sheath can be dressed up or down. — Elizabeth Wallace, CNN Underscored, "20 adorable dresses with pockets," 8 Sep. 2020 No sheath dresses a la Veep’s Selina Meyer or double-breasted suits out of ’90s Donna Karan campaigns. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Ariana Grande’s “Positions” Video Sends a Chic Political Message," 23 Oct. 2020 The cape not only gave the elegantly simple sheath a bit of drama for the ceremony, but worked double duty as an alternative to a classic veil. — Shira Savada, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Couple Replanned, Relocated, Downsized, and Rescheduled Their Wedding—in Just Three Months," 30 Nov. 2020

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.

History and Etymology for sheath

Middle English shethe, going back to Old English scǣþ, scēaþ (Northumbrian sceǣþ), scēþ, going back to Germanic *skaiþjō or *skaiþō (whence also Old Frisian skēthe "sheath," Old Saxon skēdia, skēthia, Old High German skeida, Old Icelandic skeiðir, plural), probably noun derivative of *skaiđan-/skaiþan- "to separate, divide" — more at shed entry 1

Note: The original meaning of the Germanic noun was presumably "something split, separated," i.e., two pieces that are split (literally or metaphorically) and that together held the blade; note that the Old Norse noun was plural (the singular skeið meant "weaver's reed, silver spoon").

Keep scrolling for more