trellis

1 of 2

noun

trel·​lis ˈtre-ləs How to pronounce trellis (audio)
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 adjective

Illustration of trellis

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
The farmers build high trellises to grow the flowers and avoid flooding. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 Allow pothos stems to trail over the edge of the pot or train the vines up a trellis. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024
Verb
So, here are a few guidelines to holding a wine tasting for people who have a general knowledge and interest in wine rather than those who consider discussion of Ph levels and vine trellising fit conversation at a party. John Mariani, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 For all of these reasons, try out trellising cucumbers or guiding wisteria vines over an arch. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trellis 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trellis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of trellis was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near trellis

Cite this Entry

“Trellis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trellis. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on trellis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!