envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp 

en-

enveloped; enveloping; envelops

transitive verb

1

: to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering

2

: to mount an attack on (an enemy's flank)

envelopment

in-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms

• house
• enclose
• surround
• encase
• confine
• include
• inclose

Examples of envelop in a Sentence

a chronic mistrust of outsiders envelops that neighborhood, cutting it off from the rest of the city

the truth of the presidential assassination is enveloped in a dense fog of myths and conspiracy theories

Recent Examples on the Web

Markets have been avidly watching developments in the conflict, which threatens to envelop the broader oil-rich Middle East region and has driven investors to safe-haven assets, such as gold. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 18 June 2025

On Father’s Day, Spaun tossed his club in the air, enveloped his caddie, Mark Carens, and later hugged his wife, Melody, and their daughters, Violet, 2, and Emerson Lili, 4. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 16 June 2025

The real draw, however, is its landscaping, which envelopes the property and surrounds the three pools, the restaurant, and the on-site orchard and garden. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025

The sound of less-lethal rounds being fired at protesters echoed off the high-rises and enveloped the scene near the federal complex. —Nbc News, NBC news, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English envolupen, from Anglo-French envoluper, envoleper, from en- + voluper to wrap

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for envelop

• develop
• redevelop

Kids Definition

envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈvel-əp 

: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering

envelopment

-mənt 

noun