wreath

noun \ ˈrēth \

Definition of wreath

plural wreaths play \ˈrēt͟hz, ˈrēths\

1 :something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: such as

a :a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory :garland

a laurel wreath

b :a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base

a Christmas wreath

2 :something having a circular or coiling form

a wreath of smoke

See wreath defined for English-language learners

See wreath defined for kids

Examples of wreath in a Sentence

The President laid a wreath of flowers on the hero's grave.
The ancient Romans awarded laurel wreaths to winners of athletic contests.
Every December, I put a Christmas wreath on my front door.

Recent Examples of wreath from the Web

Fall craft classes include everything from wreath-making to distressing furniture.

— kara lewis,, kansascity, "Countdown to your most fall KC weekend ever," 24 Aug. 2017
California DAR State Regent, Bev Moncrief, and LA-Eschscholtzia Regent, Jan Gordon, placed a wreath at the monument.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Patriotic women’s group dedicates war memorial," 17 July 2017
This morning, President Moon and Vice President Pence laid a wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the Korean War.

— philip bump, Washington Post, "One month of President Trump declaring things to be ‘beautiful’," 13 July 2017
A memorial wreath will be placed in the river, and sky lanterns will be released in honor of those who died.

— allison keyes, Smithsonian, "The East St. Louis Race Riot Left Dozens Dead, Devastating a Community on the Rise," 30 June 2017
Before Friday's talks at the White House, Moon laid a wreath at the Korean War Memorial monument near the Washington Mall.

— matthew pennington, chicagotribune.com, "U.S.-South Korea summit exposes spat on trade, resolve on North Korea," 30 June 2017
In addition four students from Pleasant Lea Middle School — Elaina Twenter, Josh Evans, Christian Hess, and Riley Neff — presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

— kansascity, kansascity.com, "Middle-schoolers get a civics lesson in D.C.," 28 June 2017
A memorial wreath was at the entrance of the landfill early Thursday, but it was not connected to Kaytlynn’s death.

— ryan osborne and diane smith, star-telegram, "‘I just can’t believe this happened to her,’ Bedford teen’s friend says at vigil," 22 June 2017
Some gowns require bouquets that are a bit longer and linear in shape, almost like half-wreaths that can rest in the crook of your arm rather than being held from the stems.

— carrie goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "4 Uncoventional Bridal Bouquet Ideas," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wreath.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of wreath

Middle English wrethe, from Old English writha; akin to Old English wrīthan to twist — more at writhe

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

WREATH Defined for English Language Learners

wreath

noun

Definition of wreath for English Language Learners

: an arrangement of leaves or flowers in the shape of a circle that is worn or placed as a sign of honor or victory
: an arrangement of leaves, flowers, fruits, etc., in the shape of a circle that is used for decoration
: something that is shaped like a circle

WREATH Defined for Kids

wreath

noun \ ˈrēth \

Definition of wreath for Students

plural wreaths \ˈrēt͟hz, ˈrēths\

:something twisted or woven into a circular shape

a wreath of flowers

a wreath of smoke

Learn More about wreath

See words that rhyme with wreath Spanish Central: Translation of wreath Nglish: Translation of wreath for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of wreath for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wreath

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wreath

Definition of wreath

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Origin and Etymology of wreath

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WREATH Defined for English Language Learners

wreath

Definition of wreath for English Language Learners

WREATH Defined for Kids

wreath

Definition of wreath for Students

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