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

Space cucamelon plants 12 to 18 inches apart at the base of a tall support, such as a trellis or fence. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026

Fill in blank spots in your garden beds with either bush and pole beans, which need a trellis for support. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 July 2026

Verb

Plus, many vining plants are fast-growing, and trellising them on a support can control their growth and prevent them from taking over the garden. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026

Indeterminate tomatoes can be supported through trellising, the stake-and-weave method, or cages. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 June 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