envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈve-ləp 

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

in-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms

• house
• enclose
• surround
• encase
• confine
• include
• inclose

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

Though the city skyline peeks out above the custom privacy screens, the terrace feels like you’re enveloped among nature. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2025

Warm sunlight envelopes the scene. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

The tropical Atlantic has been enveloped in dry, stable air. —Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025

Amoedo and Martí also displayed on the enveloping 180-degree LED screen a series of Madrid cityscapes from dusk, warm sunlight still caught on occasional buildings, to night, cars trawling down its central Paseo de la Castellana. —John Hopewell, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for envelop

• develop
• redevelop

Kids Definition

envelop

verb

en·​vel·​op in-ˈvel-əp 

: to surround and enclose completely with or as if with a covering

envelopment

-mənt 

noun