wreath

noun

ˈrēth 

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz  ˈrēths 

1

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

a

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

a Christmas wreath

b

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

a laurel wreath

2

: something having a circular or coiling form

a wreath of smoke

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 on the Web

Hang up greenery garland or your favorite faux flower wreath for simple decor like Sara did here. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026

Add a seasonal wreath and update the doormat. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

At the King Center's Freedom Plaza on Auburn Avenue, members of the King family gathered Saturday afternoon for the annual wreath-laying ceremony — a moment of remembrance that continues to draw reflection, urgency, and renewed calls to action. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

Pieces of a Christmas wreath for trees. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wreath

• Advent wreath
• bridal wreath

Rhymes for wreath

• neath
• sheath
• teeth
• beneath
• bequeath
• underneath

Kids Definition

wreath

noun

ˈrēth 

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz  ˈrēths 

: something twisted or woven into a circular shape

a wreath of flowers