envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
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 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.
The evocative mural, by Argentine artist Diego Gravinese, is mythical and mystical, in soft yet bright colors that envelop the entrance, where a white and gold spiral staircase breaks up the vast painting. Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025 The fabric glides across your skin with a soft sensuality, enveloping you in a whisper of luxury. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 15 Sep. 2025 And finally, the projector rocks a single 5-W speaker only, meaning those wanting to be enveloped in a soundtrack will need to cable up to an external sound system over HDMI eARC or multi-channel S/PDIF. New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025 The animation literally transforms the fans’ love into a superpower beyond themselves, as neon ribbons shoot out of their hearts to envelop the girls onstage and, eventually, the entire crowd. Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 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 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on envelop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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