grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

1

: grape sense 2

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

In Napa Valley, grapevines are typically pruned during the winter months, from December to February, before emerging from dormancy. —Jill Barth, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Tempus 18-Inch Artificial Valentine’s Day Wreath This indoor-outdoor artificial grapevine wreath is both romantic and rustic. —Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025

All materials are provided, including an 18-inch grapevine wreath and native plant cuttings, ribbons, floral wire and glue guns. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

With most of the region’s rain falling between November and April, soils with the ability to hold water through the growing season are the grapevines’ lifeblood. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grapevine

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

grapevine

noun

grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

1

: grape sense 2

2

: an unofficial means of spreading information or gossip from person to person

Geographical Definition

Grapevine

geographical name

Grape·​vine ˈgrāp-ˌvīn 

city in northern Texas northeast of Fort Worth population 46,334