grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce grapevine (audio)
1
2
a
: an informal person-to-person means of circulating information or gossip
heard it through the grapevine
b
: a secret source of information

Examples of grapevine in a Sentence

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.
Except Himmelstein tends to use her grapevine powers to mainly help out Dr. Tom Cole, a British second-year surgery resident. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025 Divided into three parts—Reading Vines, Reading Landscapes, and Reading Wines—the book explores wine from its roots in grapevine domestication to the complex interplay of terroir, culture, and taste. Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Now, after learning of their daughter's pregnancy through the grapevine, her parents have reached out, telling her that Luna isn't in the picture anymore. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 Manchester’s grapevine is a strong one. Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grapevine

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grapevine was circa 1736

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Grapevine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapevine. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

grapevine

noun
grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce grapevine (audio)
1
2
: an unofficial means of spreading information or gossip from person to person

Geographical Definition

Grapevine

geographical name

Grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn How to pronounce Grapevine (audio)
city in northern Texas northeast of Fort Worth population 46,334
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