trellis

1 of 2

noun

trel·​lis ˈtre-ləs 

1

: a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants

2

: a construction (such as a summerhouse) chiefly of latticework

3

: an arrangement that forms or gives the effect of a lattice

a trellis of interlacing streams

trellised

ˈtre-ləst 

adjective

Illustration of trellis

• trellis 1

trellis

2 of 2

verb

trellised; trellising; trellises

transitive verb

1

: to provide with a trellis

especially : to train (a plant, such as a vine) on a trellis

2

: to cross or interlace on or through : interweave

Examples of trellis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Recipes For Hardy Container Gardens That Can Stand Up To The Southern Heat Using Roses Solely As Landscape Plants Though commonly used for climbing trellises, filling garden beds, and lining fences, roses aren’t just for planting in the ground. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025

The guest house, which looks onto the pool, is built with a trellis armature on one face of the building, where hydrangea vines are expected to grow over the coming years. —David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025

Verb

So, here are a few guidelines to holding a wine tasting for people who have a general knowledge and interest in wine rather than those who consider discussion of Ph levels and vine trellising fit conversation at a party. —John Mariani, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

For all of these reasons, try out trellising cucumbers or guiding wisteria vines over an arch. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English trelis, from Anglo-French treleis, from Old French treille arbor, from Latin trichila summerhouse

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

trellis

noun

trel·​lis

ˈtrel-əs

: a frame of lattice used especially as a screen or a support for climbing plants

trellised

ˈtrel-əst

adjective