wreath

noun

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz How to pronounce wreath (audio) ˈrēths How to pronounce wreath (audio)
1
: something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: such as
a
: a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base
a Christmas wreath
b
: a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory : garland
a laurel wreath
2
: something having a circular or coiling form
a wreath of smoke

Examples of wreath in a Sentence

The President laid a wreath of flowers on the hero's grave. The ancient Romans awarded laurel wreaths to winners of athletic contests. Every December, I put a Christmas wreath on my front door.
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.
As a result, the court gave the Metropolitan AME Church ownership of the trademark, giving them the right to deny use of the group's name and yellow or black laurel wreath symbol. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025 Since the small wreath is artificial, it can be used as decor before the holiday and for future celebrations. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025 Some of the wreaths were thrown into a garden or stolen. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance took part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier earlier Sunday. The Hill, 19 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wreath

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wrethe, from Old English writha; akin to Old English wrīthan to twist — more at writhe

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wreath was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wreath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreath. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

wreath

noun
plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz How to pronounce wreath (audio) ˈrēths How to pronounce wreath (audio)
: something twisted or woven into a circular shape
a wreath of flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on wreath

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