sheath

noun

plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheath (audio) ˈshēths How to pronounce sheath (audio)
1
: a case for a blade (as of a knife)
2
: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: such as
a
: the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted
b(1)
: the lower part of a leaf when surrounding the stem
(2)
: an ensheathing spathe
3
: any of various covering or supporting structures that resemble in appearance or function the sheath of a blade: such as
b
: a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt
c
British : condom sense 1

Examples of sheath in a Sentence

the sheath of a sword a piece of wire covered with a plastic sheath
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.
Its sheath is adorned with several gems, at least two of which were carved with swastikas. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 May 2025 Upon its arrival at your table, a server will present for inspection an ornate silver dagger, pull it with a flourish from its curved sheath, and proceed to saw off the head of the Mother at approximately her Tropic of Cancer. Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025 Detectives found a Ka-Bar leather knife sheath next to one of the victims at the crime scene in Moscow. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025 An investigator previously described finding a tan leather knife sheath on the bed next to Mogen's body. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sheath

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shethe, going back to Old English scǣþ, scēaþ (Northumbrian sceǣþ), scēþ, going back to Germanic *skaiþjō or *skaiþō (whence also Old Frisian skēthe "sheath," Old Saxon skēdia, skēthia, Old High German skeida, Old Icelandic skeiðir, plural), probably noun derivative of *skaiđan-/skaiþan- "to separate, divide" — more at shed entry 1

Note: The original meaning of the Germanic noun was presumably "something split, separated," i.e., two pieces that are split (literally or metaphorically) and that together held the blade; note that the Old Norse noun was plural (the singular skeið meant "weaver's reed, silver spoon").

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheath was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheath. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sheath

noun
plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheath (audio)
ˈshēths
1
: a case for a blade (as of a knife)
2
: a covering especially of a body part that is like a sheath in form or use

Medical Definition

sheath

noun
plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz How to pronounce sheath (audio) ˈshēths How to pronounce sheath (audio)
1
: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as
a
: the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted
b
: the connective tissue of an organ or part that binds together its component elements and holds it in place
2
sheathed adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sheath

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