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

As for the frame, it’s housed in a steel trellis chassis, while the swingarm is composed of aluminum. —New Atlas, 26 Apr. 2025

Corn serves as a natural trellis for pole beans to climb, reducing some garden work. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025

Verb

With trellising, vining cucumbers usually can be planted a little closer together than bush-type varieties. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025

The grape vines are trained as bush vines, one of the oldest forms of trellising that often lends itself to producing more concentrated fruit at an elevation of over 1,500 feet. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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

Rhymes for trellis

• bellis
• felis
• fellas
• jealous
• pelisse
• zealous
• michaelis
• nucellus
• ocellus
• overzealous

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