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

• box (in)
• cage
• closet
• coop (up)
• corral
• encage
• encase
• enclose
• inclose
• fence (in)
• hedge
• hem (in)
• house
• immure
• include
• mew (up)
• pen
• wall (in)

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

The first spritz envelops you in pistachio, which then unfolds into a nutty, herbal, and deliciously sweet aroma. —Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025

Lush Pierre Frey wallpaper envelops the powder room, while a pleated Decors Barbares sink skirt adds a romantic, textural contrast. —Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025

The garlic-butter-bacon enveloped in the way those ingredients will, rich and smoky, without obliterating the bivalves’ subtler qualities. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025

Hours after the firefighters completely contained the nearby South Miami-Dade brush fire, smoke enveloped Homestead-Miami Speedway’s front straightaway. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 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