engulf

verb

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

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 noun

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.
As the week goes on, heat will expand into the Midwest and the Great Lakes area before engulfing the Northeast this weekend in what will be the region’s first prolonged heat wave. Denise Chow, NBC news, 18 June 2025 In both the 2020 and 2025 videos, car 504 appears with its hood open, and car 658 is engulfed in flames. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025 As Scott left the putting surface, Spaun tried to figure out how to attack a 187-yard approach shot from outside the ropes in the gallery and Burns stared at a ball that was engulfed by Oakmont’s thick rough about 10 yards ahead of him. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2025 Harris’ remarks about peaceful demonstrations recall the 2020 riots in Kenosha, Wisconsin over a police shooting in which a CNN reporter was standing in front of a building engulfed in flames talking about how peaceful the protest was. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 12 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engulf. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

engulf

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

More from Merriam-Webster on engulf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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