trellis

noun trel·lis \ ˈtre-ləs \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of trellis

1 : a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants

2 : a construction (such as a summerhouse) chiefly of latticework

3 : an arrangement that forms or gives the effect of a lattice

a trellis of interlacing streams

—

trellised

play \ˈtre-ləst\ adjective

See trellis defined for English-language learners

See trellis defined for kids

Recent Examples of trellis from the Web

Added recently were grape trellises, a pergola with a seating area and a fledgling orchard.

— john benson, cleveland.com, "Fairview Park Community Garden continues to blossom with resident green thumbs," 4 Apr. 2018
Tie them to their trellis to support the canes for blooms.

— janet miller, The Courier-Journal, "Roses are easy - if done right. Here are foolproof tips to follow for your Kentucky garden," 23 Feb. 2018
The Garden Room is a glitzy but chic restaurant with mirrored panels, a gilded ceiling, and trellises of roses painted by muralist Gary Myatt.

— pascal chevallier, Vogue, "The Reinvention of Annabel’s, London’s Legendary Nightclub," 19 Mar. 2018
Some vining plants like winter squash, melons or cucumbers can be trained and tied to grow up a trellis affixed to a container.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Consider growing a few veggies in containers this year | Idaho Statesman," 14 Mar. 2018
While onlookers moseyed by, Berkeley and Bob's ceremony took place under an indoor trellis adorned with flowers, next to tables covered with white tablecloths and scattered rose petals.

— alyssa pereira, Redbook, "Couple Weds At Costco: "It Just Made Sense"," 26 Sep. 2017
Vine crops can be put in hanging baskets or grown in oak barrels or large pots and trained vertically on trellises, stakes or railings.

— OregonLive.com, "No room for a vegetable garden? Create space with potted plants," 13 Mar. 2018
McClure designed her 17-foot, scalloped white satin train, which features trellis work down the back and a scroll at the bottom, with her royal moniker on a circular medallion.

— michelle matthews, AL.com, "MCA Queen Lucy Mostellar looks forward to 'whatever comes next'," 4 Feb. 2018
An outside trellis patio with seating is proposed, adjacent to the inside ice cream parlor.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Glendale sets public hearing for UDF in village's historic district," 18 Jan. 2018

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

Illustration of trellis

Origin and Etymology of trellis

Middle English trelis, from Anglo-French treleis, from Old French treille arbor, from Latin trichila summerhouse

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

trellis

verb

Definition of trellis

transitive verb

1 : to provide with a trellis; especially : to train (a plant, such as a vine) on a trellis

2 : to cross or interlace on or through : interweave

Recent Examples of trellis from the Web

There’s a woodlands garden, a perennial herbaceous border and a vegetable garden with handmade wattle fencing and trellised supports.

— cynthia billhartz gregorian, kansascity, "Here’s your chance to tour 5 lush Mission Hills & Fairway private gardens," 6 May 2017
At one point, Nederend feared her vines would need to be cut down to the ground and re-trellised this spring — meaning no crop in 2017 but a return for 2018 and beyond.

— eric degerman, idahostatesman, "Big news for Gem State travelers, winemakers: Idaho Wines fly free on two airlines," 9 June 2017

First Known Use of trellis

15th century

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

TRELLIS Defined for English Language Learners

trellis

noun

Definition of trellis for English Language Learners

: a frame with long pieces of wood that cross each other that is used as a support for climbing plants

TRELLIS Defined for Kids

trellis

noun trel·lis \ ˈtre-ləs \

Definition of trellis for Students

: a frame of lattice used especially as a screen or a support for climbing plants

Learn More about trellis

See words that rhyme with trellis Spanish Central: Translation of trellis Nglish: Translation of trellis for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trellis

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trellis

Definition of trellis

trellised

Recent Examples of trellis from the Web

Illustration of trellis

Origin and Etymology of trellis

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

trellis

Definition of trellis

Recent Examples of trellis from the Web

First Known Use of trellis

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

TRELLIS Defined for English Language Learners

trellis

Definition of trellis for English Language Learners

TRELLIS Defined for Kids

trellis

Definition of trellis for Students

Learn More about trellis

Seen and Heard

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