trellis

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noun trel·lis \ ˈtre-ləs \

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

Sunroom: Wall paint, Young Wheat, custom trellis application—Fine Paints of Europe (M); finepaintsofeurope.com.

— House Beautiful, "September 2017 Product Guide," 7 Aug. 2017
Already, trellises have vines, which will take three to four years to yield usable grapes, Insana guesses.

— marc bona, cleveland.com, "Vino Veritas, Cleveland urban winery, opens in Old Brooklyn (photos, video)," 4 Aug. 2017
Start early to train tomatoes and many vining crops to stakes or trellises. 20.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "August in the garden," 29 July 2017
Tie up new green canes to a trellis or other support, then feed the plant with a mulch of compost.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "Pick, then prune: Give blackberries some TLC after harvest," 21 July 2017
Consider outlining an L or U shape with an attractive fence, hedge, or trellis and vines.

— jennifer adams, Philly.com, "Ask Jennifer Adams: How can you disguise a grill in the front yard?," 14 July 2017
These are best allowed to climb on a fence or up a trellis because usually the only pruning required is to remove dead or weak branches, followed by light thinning of the remaining branches to create an open framework of vines.

— ciscoe morris, The Seattle Times, "With so many beautiful options, your garden should feature a Clematis — or several," 28 June 2017
Lady Boothby’. This one also is capable of climbing, and can reach more than 15 feet tall tied to a trellis.

— ciscoe morris, The Seattle Times, "Beautifully bright hummingbird magnets put the ‘hardy’ in hardy fuchsias," 14 June 2017
A trellis will be attached to the top to provide shade and privacy for the outdoor eating area that will be installed later.

— molly harbarger, OregonLive.com, "Portland community prepares Kenton village for homeless women to move in," 7 June 2017

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

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
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

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

play

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

play

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

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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

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