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.
Photos of the execution equipment at the Louisiana State Penitentiary obtained by The Guardian showed a blue mask, which envelops a person’s whole face, connected to several pipes, where the gas will enter. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 Reclining in camp chairs, audiences were enveloped by panoramic visuals and sound, redefining what an album-listening experience could be. Charlie Fink, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Visually, these notes bounce back to the console, to the chrome swivel, and then are enveloped in a comely, cushioned daybed, another NJCR piece. John Ortved, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025 Between 1642 and 1651, Britain was enveloped in the English Civil Wars, a conflict between supporters of Charles I and Parliament. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 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

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