encompass

verb

en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-,
 also  -ˈkäm-
encompassed; encompassing; encompasses

transitive verb

1
a
: include, comprehend
a plan that encompasses a number of aims
b
2
a
: to form a circle about : enclose
b
obsolete : to go completely around
3
: bring about, accomplish
encompass a task
encompassment
in-ˈkəm-pə-smənt How to pronounce encompass (audio)
en-
 also  -ˈkäm-
noun

Examples of encompass in a Sentence

The district encompasses most of the downtown area. a neighborhood encompassed by a highway
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.
These individuals encompass today’s high schoolers, college students and most people in their 20s. Brent Daub, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 Given its current orbit, the spacecraft’s potential landing area encompasses most of Earth’s surface between 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south latitude. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 7 May 2025 Factions of the Republican conference are at odds over how to proceed with the spending package that encompasses much of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. Ben Mause, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2025 That vision eventually became Heartland Dental, which today is the largest dental-support organization in the United States, encompassing over 1,825 practices and more than 3,300 dentists in 40 states — and still growing. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for encompass

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encompass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encompass. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

encompass

verb
en·​com·​pass in-ˈkəm-pəs How to pronounce encompass (audio)
-ˈkäm-
1
: to form a circle about : surround
2
a
: to cover or surround especially so as to hide or protect
b
: to take in as a part : include
encompassment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on encompass

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