sheathe

verb

ˈshēṯẖ 

variants or less commonly sheath

ˈshēth 

sheathed; sheathing

transitive verb

1

: to put into or furnish with a sheath

2

: to plunge or bury (a weapon, such as a sword) in flesh

3

: to withdraw (a claw) into a sheath

4

: to case or cover with something (such as sheets of metal) that protects

sheather

ˈshē-ṯẖər 

-thər

noun

Synonyms

• clad
• face

Examples of sheathe in a Sentence

sometimes shipbuilders sheathe a ship's bottom with copper for extra protection from barnacles and other threats

Recent Examples on the Web

In other red carpet appearances, she’s opted for boudoir-ready Rodarte gowns, and walked and performed for Harris Reed’s fall 2025 show in a dramatic hooded and sheer gown, sheathed only by a sculptural upper bodice. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2025

To suit a Southern summer, the ceiling has radiant barrier sheathing to keep the coop cooler. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025

The design sheathes the plasma near the column’s central axis with faster-flowing plasma—imagine a steady stream of cars traveling in the center lane of a highway, unable to change lanes because heavy traffic is whizzing by on both sides. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2021

None other than Paul Revere sheathed her bottom in copper. —Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shethen, derivative of shethe sheath

Note: Middle English Dictionary cites Old English unscēaþian, but the source for this word is not established.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sheathe

• breathe
• seethe

Kids Definition

sheathe

verb

ˈshēt͟h 

sheathed; sheathing

1

: to put into a sheath

sheathe your sword

2

: to cover with something that protects

sheathe a ship's bottom with copper

sheather noun