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sheath

noun
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\ ˈshēth How to pronounce sheath (audio) \
plural sheaths\ ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheaths (audio) , 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
Other Words from sheath 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 One masked man sports long, pointed bamboo sheaths that turn his fingers into claws. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, "In the galleries: ‘Time Capsule’ retrospective highlights jazz’s influence on Frank Stewart," 20 Dec. 2019 The Sheath Dress Day A simple sheath dress is perhaps the easiest go-to work look. — Gina Marinelli, Marie Claire, "Day or Night, You’ll Live in These 3 Easy Dresses All Winter," 10 Dec. 2019 Her oversize turtleneck sheath dress and fresh-flower crown paired with a bold lip is what Black Girl Magic is made of. — Christen A. Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Bantu knots and baby hairs: Our favorite looks from the Black Girls Rock! awards show," 9 Sep. 2019 Weeks after the antlers fall from their bases, next year’s set begins to emerge under an expanding velvet sheath. — Mike Koshmrl, National Geographic, "What it takes to catch antler thieves," 19 July 2019 His wife’s sparkly sheath gown draped in silk tulle? — Leanne Italie, The Seattle Times, "Tracee Ellis Ross leads parade of pink on Emmys carpet," 17 Sep. 2018 Traditionally researchers who study the myelin insulation on nerve fibers, called axons, have focused on diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, in which the fatty sheath is damaged. — R. Douglas Fields, Scientific American, "Deeper Insights Emerge into How Memories Form," 18 Nov. 2019 From leather to sequins to fast fashion finds, she's transformed royal style well beyond classic skirt suits and sheath dresses. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Queen Letizia Redefines Royal Style in a Black Feathered Suit," 5 Nov. 2019 My proudest moment in all of Deadpool, oddly enough is where Ryan spins his katanas and puts them on the sheaths on his back. — Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Terminator' Director on Linda Hamilton's Key Moment and John Connor's Secret Role," 1 Nov. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of sheath

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for sheath

Middle English shethe, from Old English scēath; akin to Old High German sceida sheath and perhaps to Latin scindere to split — more at shed entry 1

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Time Traveler for sheath

Time Traveler

The first known use of sheath was before the 12th century

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Statistics for sheath

Last Updated

18 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Sheath.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheath. Accessed 28 January 2020.

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More Definitions for sheath

sheath

noun
How to pronounce sheath (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sheath

: a cover for the blade of a knife, sword, etc.
: a protective covering
: a close-fitting dress that does not usually have a belt

See the full definition for sheath in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sheath

noun
\ ˈshēth How to pronounce sheath (audio) \
plural sheaths\ ˈshēt͟hz \

Kids Definition of sheath

1 : a case for a blade (as of a knife)
2 : a covering that surrounds and usually protects something

sheath

noun
\ ˈshēth How to pronounce sheath (audio) \
plural sheaths\ ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheaths (audio) , ˈshēths How to pronounce sheaths (audio) \

Medical Definition of sheath

1 : an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as
a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted
b : the connective tissue of an organ or part that binds together its component elements and holds it in place
2 : condom sense 1

Other Words from sheath

sheathed adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on sheath

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sheath

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with sheath

Spanish Central: Translation of sheath

Nglish: Translation of sheath for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of sheath for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sheath

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