envelop

[ verb en-vel-uhp; noun en-vel-uhp, en-vuh-luhp, ahn- ]

verb (used with object)

, en·vel·oped, en·vel·op·ing.

1. to wrap up in or as in a covering:

   The long cloak she was wearing enveloped her completely.

   Synonyms: conceal, hide, cover, enfold

2. to serve as a wrapping or covering for, as a membrane of an organ or a sheath.
3. to surround entirely.

   Synonyms: enclose, encompass

4. Military. to attack (an enemy's flank).

noun

1. envelope.

envelop

/ ɪnˈvɛləp /

verb

1. to wrap or enclose in or as if in a covering
2. to conceal or obscure, as from sight or understanding

   a plan enveloped in mystery

3. to surround or partially surround (an enemy force)

Derived Forms

• enˈvelopment, noun

Other Words From

• en·velop·er noun
• preen·velop verb (used with object)
• unen·veloped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of envelop¹

1350–1400; Middle English envolupen < Old French envoluper, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + voloper to envelop, of obscure origin; compare Old Provençal ( en ) volopar, Italian inviluppare to envelop, Italian viluppo tuft, bundle, confusion, referred to Medieval Latin faluppa chaff, wisp of straw, perhaps influenced by the descendants of Latin volvere to roll

Word History and Origins

Origin of envelop¹

C14: from Old French envoluper, from en- ¹+ voluper, voloper, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Inspired by foods like chia seeds, which are naturally enveloped in a soft, gel-like layer, the researchers encapsulated pea cell-wall fibers in a gel that forms a soft coating around the fiber particles.

From Science Daily

In a post on X, the Indian capital's chief minister, Atishi Marlena Singh, said classes will move online until further notice due to a thick smog that has enveloped the city.

From BBC

A brief yearly silence has once again enveloped South Korea, as half a million students across the country sit for the most important test of their lives.

From BBC

Have you ever watched a movie and been so enveloped by its world that you wanted to live in it?

From Los Angeles Times

Then the smoke and fog start to envelop you and the city around you.

From BBC

Related Words

• blanket
• drape
• encircle
• enclose
• encompass
• enfold
• engulf
• obscure
• shroud
• surround
• swaddle
• swathe
• wrap