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

The 10-foot-wide and nine-foot-tall building with a trellis on top was considered an eyesore by the planning board. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025

Not surprisingly, time took its toll on the wooden trellises where the greenery climbed. —Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025

Verb

Luckily, my pumpkin vine has naturally trellised itself over the neighboring bushes, but eventually, the gourds will drop and reach the soil. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2025

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