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 trellis stands 35 inches tall before it’s staked into the ground, and features a supportive metal frame that’s perfect for climbing plants, like clematis, ivy, wisteria, or certain roses. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2026

Choose a large pot with a drainage hole, and add a trellis or another sturdy support to the pot or behind it to train the vine. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026

Verb

Indeterminate tomatoes should always be staked, trellised, or caged. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 23 Apr. 2026

To avoid this, trellis your beans or grow bush beans and brassicas in alternating rows. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 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