1
a
: a plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground
also : the stem of such a plant
b
: any of various sprawling herbaceous plants (such as a tomato or potato) that lack specialized adaptations for climbing
2
see also:

vine

2 of 2

verb

vined; vining

intransitive verb

: to form or grow in the manner of a vine

Examples of vine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The silhouette, which brought back the trend of years gone by, was equipped with a panel on the front adorned with floral motifs, pearls and vines, all in gold that, from afar, looked like sequins. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026 For four months, the Napa grower spent four to five hours a day tending four giant pumpkin plants, watching their vines, nurturing their fruit and waiting to see just how big one of them might get. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
String of Hearts This vining succulent is from southeastern Africa. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 28 Sep. 2026 These durable plant clips are outfitted with heavy-duty stainless steel springs that hold vining tomato plants in place. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vine

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French vigne, from Latin vinea vine, vineyard, from feminine of vineus of wine, from vinum wine — more at wine

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1796, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vine. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
2
a
: a plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground
also : the stem of a vine
b
: any of various plants (as a tomato) that resemble vines but lack a special means for climbing

vine

2 of 2 verb
vined; vining
: to form or grow in the manner of a vine
Etymology

Noun

Middle English vine "grape, a climbing plant," from early French vigne (same meaning), from Latin vinea "vine, vineyard," derived from vinum "wine" — related to vinegar, vintage

More from Merriam-Webster on vine

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster