Definition of tendril
1 : a leaf, stipule, or stem modified into a slender spirally coiling sensitive organ serving to attach a climbing plant to its support
2 : something suggestive of a tendril creeping tendrils of fog
From the M-W Editors
Examples of tendril in a Sentence
A few tendrils of hair framed her face.
Recent Examples of tendril from the Web
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The tendril beside the stem that connects the watermelon to the vine will shrivel up.
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At Pandora’s Hair Design in Highlandtown, Clara Tana Weber unwinds her client’s rollers one by one, teasing her tendrils into larger blonde tufts with a comb.
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Sprinkle in the mint, pea tendrils, and vinaigrette and toss to dress.
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Using early photographic techniques, Atkins portrayed the aquatic organisms as ethereal tufts and tendrils floating over vibrant blue backgrounds.
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Players will have exciting new powers and fighting capabilities such as tendrils, dismembering enemies, throwing tanks, throwing uppercuts at helicopters, and of course, intimidating enemies.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tendril'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of tendril
Origin and Etymology of tendril
probably modification of Middle French tendron bud, cartilage, alteration of Old French tenrum, from Vulgar Latin *tenerumen, from Latin tener tender — more at 1tender
First Known Use: 1538
Other Botany Terms
TENDRIL Defined for English Language Learners
tendril
playDefinition of tendril for English Language Learners
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: the thin stem of a climbing plant that attaches to walls, fences, etc.
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: something that is thin and curly
TENDRIL Defined for Kids
tendril
playDefinition of tendril for Students
1 : a slender leafless winding stem by which some climbing plants attach themselves to a support
2 : something that winds like a plant's tendril tendrils of hair
Learn More about tendril
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Spanish Central: Translation of tendril Nglish: Translation of tendril for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tendril
Seen and Heard
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