trellis

1 of 2

noun

trel·​lis ˈtre-ləs 

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

ˈtre-ləst 

adjective

Illustration of trellis

• trellis 1

trellis

2 of 2

verb

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

Examples of trellis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To get that look in your garden, use climbing vines and plants, like ivy and wild vines, to cover walls, trellises, and fences. Maximize hidden spots. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025

In the Garden of Hercules, researchers discovered remains of trellises and earthen holes left by olive trees. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 June 2025

Verb

Soil pits, trellising design, canopy orientation and clonal selection will be shared with club members. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

With trellising, vining cucumbers usually can be planted a little closer together than bush-type varieties. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for trellis

• bellis
• felis
• fellas
• jealous
• pelisse
• zealous
• michaelis
• nucellus
• ocellus
• overzealous

Kids Definition

trellis

noun

trel·​lis

ˈtrel-əs

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

trellised

ˈtrel-əst

adjective