trellis

1 of 2

noun

trel·​lis ˈtre-ləs How to pronounce trellis (audio)
1
: a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants
2
: a construction (such as a summerhouse) chiefly of latticework
3
: an arrangement that forms or gives the effect of a lattice
a trellis of interlacing streams
trellised adjective

Illustration of trellis

Illustration of trellis
  • trellis 1

trellis

2 of 2

verb

trellised; trellising; trellises

transitive verb

1
: to provide with a trellis
especially : to train (a plant, such as a vine) on a trellis
2
: to cross or interlace on or through : interweave

Examples of trellis in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Fill in blank spots in your garden beds with either bush and pole beans, which need a trellis for support. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 July 2025 Florid invitations depicting a trellis crawling with vines and pink blooms went out this week, listing Betty Catroux, Madison Cox, Athina Onassis, Paloma Picasso, Jordan Roth, Lauren Santo Domingo, Cindy Sherman and Mathilde Stern-Pointillart on the committee. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
Verb
Luckily, my pumpkin vine has naturally trellised itself over the neighboring bushes, but eventually, the gourds will drop and reach the soil. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025 Soil pits, trellising design, canopy orientation and clonal selection will be shared with club members. Rachel King, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trellis

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English trelis, from Anglo-French treleis, from Old French treille arbor, from Latin trichila summerhouse

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trellis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trellis. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

trellis

noun
trel·​lis
ˈtrel-əs
: a frame of lattice used especially as a screen or a support for climbing plants
trellised
ˈtrel-əst
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on trellis

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