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

Cucumbers grow quickly, especially when given a trellis or something to climb. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026

Peppers do especially well in warm weather and can thrive in containers, while cucumbers grow quickly, especially when given a trellis or something to climb. —Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026

Verb

Because of its size, this tomato requires sturdy staking, caging, or trellising to support the heavy fruit load and tall vines. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026

Staking, trellising, and caging are different training methods used to support tomato plants and their heavy fruit loads. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026

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