wrap

1 of 3

verb

wrapped; wrapping

transitive verb

1
a
: to cover especially by winding or folding
b
: to envelop and secure for transportation or storage : bundle
d
: to coil, fold, draw, or twine (such as string or cloth) around something
2
b
: to suffuse or surround with an aura or state
the affair was wrapped in scandal
c
: to involve completely : engross
usually used with up
3
: to conceal or obscure as if by enveloping
4
: to enclose as if with a protective covering
5
: to finish filming or recording
wrap a movie

intransitive verb

1
: to wind, coil, or twine so as to encircle or cover something
2
: to put on clothing : dress
usually used with up
3
: to be subject to covering, enclosing, or packaging
usually used with up
4
: to come to completion in filming or recording

wrap

2 of 3

noun

1
a(1)
(2)
: material used for wrapping
plastic wrap
b
: an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person
especially : an outer garment (such as a coat or shawl)
c
d
: a treatment for the care of the skin in which material (such as hot wet cloth or seaweed) is wrapped around the entire body
also : this material
2
: a single turn or convolution of something wound around an object
3
wraps plural
a
b
: a shroud of secrecy
a plan kept under wraps
4
: the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording
5
: a thin flat piece of bread that is rolled around a filling (as of meat, fish, or vegetables)

wrap

3 of 3

adjective

Examples of wrap in a Sentence

Verb They were busy wrapping presents late on Christmas Eve. Ribbons were wrapped around the dancers' arms. She wrapped a scarf around her neck. He wrapped tape around the bat's handle. I wrapped my arms around her. She wrapped her legs around a pillow. He wrapped his hands around the trophy. The line of people went out the door and wrapped around the corner. Noun kept the whole plan under wraps until they were ready to make a public announcement
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.
Verb
Rolling on custom 19-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires, the Suprabird is a fitting tribute. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 The first-look preview opens with his portrayal of the Hollywood legend wrapping on The Godfather. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
The prepared food section is filled with cold sandwiches, wraps and kimbap. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 The zoo has that water tower with the wrap around it that is so iconic. Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Though, our personal favorite is this wrap knee-length sweater dress that comes in three neutral colors and can be dressed up (with some nice booties and a wool peacoat) or down (with a pair of white sneakers). Melanie Curry, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2023 The Lakers sported athletic tape around their wrists with the word ‘redemption’ emblazoned across the pre-wrap. Cam Kerry, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for wrap 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English wrappen

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Adjective

1923, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near wrap

Cite this Entry

“Wrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrap. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wrap

1 of 2 verb
wrapped; wrapping
1
a
: to cover especially by winding or folding
wrap a baby in a blanket
b
: to enclose and prepare (as for transportation or storage)
wrap a package
c
: embrace entry 1 sense 1
wrapped her in my arms
d
: to coil, fold, or draw about something
wrap a rubber band around the sticks
2
a
: to envelop closely or completely : surround
houses wrapped in mist
b
: to involve completely : engross
they were wrapped up in studying for exams
3
: to finish filming or recording
wrap a movie

wrap

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: a covering that encloses something : wrapper
b
: material for wrapping
plastic wrap
2
: an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person
especially : a warm loose outer garment (as a coat or shawl)
3
plural : secrecy sense 2
a plan kept under wraps
4
: the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording

More from Merriam-Webster on wrap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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