trellis

noun trel·lis \ ˈtre-ləs \

|Updated on: 22 Jun 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

Take time to set up proper trellises for cucumbers; and time to place poles for the pole beans; time to get the good tomato cages.

— john kass, chicagotribune.com, "Backyard gardening, step one: Have a drink and just stare at the dirt," 9 May 2018
One window overlooks the koi pond; the other provides views of a rose trellis.

— joan walden, courant.com, "Property of the Week: 22 Pasture Lane, West Simsbury," 18 May 2017
Add a larger trellis right away so the plant has something to grab and grow up.

— arricca sansone, Country Living, "How to Grow Clematis," 24 May 2018
My wish list for this weekend is epic—trellis the hop vines, plant a bed of chamomile seedlings and a round of peas, and mulch the apple trees.

— eve macsweeney, Vogue, "The Most Meaningful Mother’s Day Gifts: Cheap But Deep," 10 May 2018
Adjacent to the courtyard are vegetable and herb gardens, an organic orchard and an outdoor dining area topped by a slatted-wood trellis.

— neal j. leitereg, latimes.com, "Holmby Hills estate of former Paramount chief Brad Grey fetches $70 million," 10 May 2018
Build a substantial arbor or T-bar trellis (a diagram is included in the above publication) that's tall enough to stand under for harvest; the stronger the better since the vines can grow 15 feet wide and produce up to 100 pounds of fruit.

— kym pokorny, OregonLive.com, "Growing kiwi in Oregon requires care, attention," 2 May 2018
The garden contains a reflection bench, flowers and a trellis.

— joseph clark, cleveland.com, "Suspect transferred to Lorain County Sheriff's Office: Olmsted Township Police Blotter," 16 Apr. 2018
Accompanying add-ons are fresh landscaping, a trash enclosure with trellis, and a storage area for dry goods.

— julie gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Board gives mixed reviews to proposed projects," 4 May 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

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

trellis

verb

Definition of trellis

trellised; trellising; trellises

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

Less vigorous varieties, such as many of the large-flowered hybrids can be allowed to climb through shrubs or small trees in the flower garden (with a little guidance), instead of being trellised, or even to wander over the ground as a ground cover.

— jean nick, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Clematis," 17 Mar. 2017
For years, some farmers have turned to changing how grapes are trellised to grow more per vine and have invested in new technology to automate picking and pruning to drive down labor costs.

— melanie grayce west, WSJ, "N.Y. Grape Growers, Squeezed by Low Demand, Look Beyond Juice," 30 Apr. 2018
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