wreath

noun

ˈrēth 

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz  ˈrēths 

1

: something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: such as

a

: a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base

a Christmas wreath

b

: a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory : garland

a laurel wreath

2

: something having a circular or coiling form

a wreath of smoke

Examples of wreath in a Sentence

The President laid a wreath of flowers on the hero's grave.

The ancient Romans awarded laurel wreaths to winners of athletic contests.

Every December, I put a Christmas wreath on my front door.

Recent Examples on the Web

Charles Cram, a Navy corpsman who was wounded and awarded for his bravery, saluted the epitaph and gently touched the wreath of red, white and blue flowers, as did the others. —Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2025

The natural base and silk petals will provide many seasons of enjoyment, and the wreath comes wired for easy mounting with a sturdy box for off-season storage. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025

Customers will also find seasonal décor year-round, such as arrangements, wreaths, pictures, and figurines. —Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025

The shirts also feature a laurel wreath, a symbol used by the Proud Boys. —Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wrethe, from Old English writha; akin to Old English wrīthan to twist — more at writhe

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing wreath

• Advent wreath
• bridal wreath

Rhymes for wreath

• neath
• sheath
• teeth
• beneath
• bequeath
• underneath

Kids Definition

wreath

noun

ˈrēth 

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz  ˈrēths 

: something twisted or woven into a circular shape

a wreath of flowers