wreathe

verb \ ˈrēt͟h \

Definition of wreathe

wreathed; wreathing

transitive verb

1 a :to shape into a wreath

b :interweave

c :to cause to coil about something

2 :to twist or contort so as to show folds or creases

3 :to encircle or adorn with or as if with a wreath

intransitive verb

1 :to twist in coils :writhe

2 a :to take on the shape of a wreath

b :to move or extend in circles or spirals

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Examples of wreathe in a Sentence

decided to wreathe the grapevines into a beribboned swag to give the room the “country look”
wreathed small flowers into the design for the wallpaper

Recent Examples of wreathe from the Web

Out in the parking lot, wreathed in the citrusy odor of the sunscreen four young men are slathering on their torsos before heading across Ocean Avenue, some of those who've opted out explain why.

— Time, "Where Did America's Summer Jobs Go?," 29 June 2017
The walk up the steps to the Royal Box after the game, the losing team’s faces locked in grief, the winners’ wreathed in smiles.

— rory smith, New York Times, "On-Field Drama, Not Fireworks, Will Keep the F.A. Cup Relevant," 27 May 2017
Here is an excerpt from the May 7, 1885, edition of The Bee: Mrs. Crocker, her face wreathed in smiles of happiness, arose and bowed to the audience, which returned the courtesy with cheers and the slapping of thousands of hands.

— sacbee, sacbee.com, "1885: Flowery tribute for Crocker gallery donation," 26 Apr. 2017
When Fawcett returns after one expedition, the front of his English house is wreathed in creepers, as if the tendrils of vines had spread across the sea.

— anthony lane, The New Yorker, "“The Lost City of Z” and “Aftermath”," 7 Apr. 2017
Ghostly villagers assembled, silent and wreathed with smoke as their buildings burned and burned.

— laura collins-hughes, New York Times, "Give Them a Hand: Puppet Artists Are Having a Moment," 31 Jan. 2017
Working with production designer Dante Ferretti and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, Scorsese has created a vision of a feudal Japan, wreathed in mist and caked in grime.

— justin chang, The Mercury News, "Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ — masterwork of spiritual inquiry," 4 Jan. 2017

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