envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
en-
enveloped; enveloping; envelops
Synonyms of envelop

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 noun

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
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.
Spray paint hisses and music envelops Amsterdam Avenue as Knicks colors cover the sidewalk. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 One half of the pitch was enveloped by a Qatari flag, the other was covered by a red rectangle emblazoned with a white cross. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026 One tasteful choice is patterned aluminum trim to envelop the dash and doors, hand-engraved with a guilloche technique, similar to what’s employed on a high-end watch case. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 12 June 2026 The beach club’s loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas are enveloped in Dolce & Gabbana’s signature blue-and-white palette, bringing a touch of the Italian Riviera to Montauk’s Atlantic beachfront. Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for envelop

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Envelop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envelop. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

envelop

verb
en·​vel·​op in-ˈvel-əp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering
envelopment noun

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