envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp How to pronounce envelop (audio)
en-
enveloped; enveloping; envelops
Synonyms of envelop

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
in-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce envelop (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of envelop

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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.
This may be because the frameworks of human society and language envelop our thinking. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Although gray skies are enveloping the Pharmalot campus, our spirits remain sunny. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026 The shroud of silence and fear that enveloped Syria throughout the Assad decades was gone. — Lina Sergie Attar, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 For one, Robert is too ethereal to evoke the fear enveloping the city. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for envelop

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Browse Nearby Words

enveil
envelop
envelope
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Envelop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envelop. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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
-mənt How to pronounce envelop (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on envelop

Nglish: Translation of envelop for Spanish Speakers

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