Definition of wreathe
wreathed
;wreathing
transitive verb
1a : to shape into a wreathb : interweavec : 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
2a : to take on the shape of a wreathb : to move or extend in circles or spirals
From the M-W Editors
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
Origin and Etymology of wreathe
wreath
WREATHE Defined for English Language Learners
wreathe
playDefinition of wreathe for English Language Learners
-
: to surround or cover (something)
WREATHE Defined for Kids
wreathe
playDefinition of wreathe for Students
wreathed
;wreathing
1 : to form into wreaths Evergreen branches were wreathed and hung.
2 : to crown, decorate, or cover with or as if with a wreath The girls … wreathed their hair with … blossoms. — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Learn More about wreathe
-
See words that rhyme with wreathe Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wreathe Spanish Central: Translation of wreathe Nglish: Translation of wreathe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of wreathe for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up wreathe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!