engulf

verb

en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
en-
engulfed; engulfing; engulfs
Synonyms of engulfnext

transitive verb

1
: to flow over and enclose : overwhelm
the mounting seas threatened to engulf the island
2
: to take in (food) by or as if by flowing over and enclosing
engulfment
in-ˈgəlf-mənt How to pronounce engulf (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of engulf in a Sentence

The valley was engulfed in a thick fog. high waves from the hurricane engulfed large areas of the coastal community
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 ad featured the artist in his studio, struggling with a piece of artwork, when suddenly, the entire room is engulfed in white paint, covering both his paintings and him. — Mecca Pryor, Essence, 7 Apr. 2025 In the first, the sheepdog appears engulfed by a thick coat of long white fur, his face nearly obscured by the shaggy mass. — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 The final minutes of the horror movie show her being engulfed in darkness until a match is struck, revealing a candle with someone’s hand extended over the flame. — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 The house the plane hit was immediately engulfed in flames, though the sole occupant escaped uninjured. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for engulf

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engulf was in 1555

Rhymes for engulf

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Browse Nearby Words

engs
engulf
engysseismology
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Cite this Entry

“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engulf. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

engulf

verb
en·​gulf in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
: to flow over and enclose : overwhelm
engulfment
-mənt How to pronounce engulf (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on engulf

Nglish: Translation of engulf for Spanish Speakers

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