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.
The property encompasses a generous 6,420 square feet of land. Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 Garcia was first elected in 2022 to represent the 42nd U.S. Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Los Angeles County and the city of Long Beach. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Roughly one-third of the world’s prune supply came from the orchards of Santa Clara County, which encompassed Palo Alto. Mark Dent, HubSpot, 25 Apr. 2025 Elsmore has been a court referee for the Second Judicial District, which encompasses Ramsey County, since January 2023, presiding over dissolution, custody, support, domestic abuse and harassment matters. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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