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

Garten uses her trellises to cover an entire small pathway in and out of a section of her garden. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026

These plants mature quickly, too, bursting up out of the ground and rapidly scaling a trellis (for climbing varieties) or forming a bush (for bush varieties). — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026

Verb

Tall plants with large, heavy fruit or flowers require cages, stakes, or trellising to thrive. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 6 June 2026

During the past two decades, Banfi has also reimagined the way its vines are trained and trellised. — Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 24 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