sheath

noun

ˈshēth 

plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz  ˈshēths 

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

a

: sheathing sense 2

b

: a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt

c

British : condom sense 1

Synonyms

• armor
• capsule
• case
• casing
• cocoon
• cover
• covering
• encasement
• housing
• hull
• husk
• jacket
• pod
• shell

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

State investigators went on to discover DNA on the sheath, which, after analysis that included FBI assistance, later came back as a statistical match to Kohberger, police and prosecutors allege. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2025

First, Defendant abandoned any privacy interest in his DNA by disclaiming knowledge or ownership of the sheath from which the DNA was extracted. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

For the event, held on Thursday, Feb. 13, Kaling, 45, wore a form-fitting gold gown with sequins and embellishments, with gold leaf appliqués at the gown's sheath skirt. —Justine Fisher, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Two sheaths are included to protect the hedge trimmer and grass shearer while in storage. —Alice Knisley Matthias, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing sheath

• medullary sheath
• myelin sheath
• sheath knife

Rhymes for sheath

• neath
• teeth
• wreath
• beneath
• bequeath
• underneath

Kids Definition

sheath

noun

ˈshēth 

plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz 

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

ˈshēth 

plural sheaths ˈshēt͟hz  ˈshēths 

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

: condom sense 1

sheathed adjective