wrap

[ rap ]

verb (used with object)

, wrapped or wrapt, wrap·ping.

1. to enclose in something wound or folded about (often followed by up ):

   She wrapped her head in a scarf.

2. to enclose and make fast (an article, bundle, etc.) within a covering of paper or the like (often followed by up ):

   He wrapped the package up in brown paper.

3. to wind, fold, or bind (something) about as a covering.
4. to protect with coverings, outer garments, etc. (usually followed by up ).
5. to cover (fingernails) with a sheer silk or linen fabric, as to repair or strengthen them.
6. to surround, envelop, shroud, or hide.
7. to fold or roll up.
8. Movies, Television. to finish the filming of (a motion picture).

verb (used without object)

, wrapped or wrapt, wrap·ping.

1. to wrap oneself (usually followed by up ).
2. to become wrapped, enclosed, packaged, or folded (usually followed by up ):

   This hat wraps up into a pocket-size square—perfect for hiking and camping.

3. Movies, Television. to complete the filming of a motion picture:

   We hope to wrap in time for Christmas.

noun

1. something to be wrapped about the person, especially in addition to the usual indoor clothing, such as a shawl:

   an evening wrap.

2. a beauty treatment in which a part or all of the body is covered with cream, lotion, herbs, or the like and then wrapped snugly with cloth.
3. a sheer silk or linen fabric glued to the fingernails to repair or strengthen them.
4. a flatbread wrapped around a filling and eaten as a sandwich.
5. Movies, Television.
   1. the completion of photography on a film or an individual scene.
   2. the termination of a working day during the shooting of a film.

adjective

1. wraparound in style:

   a wrap skirt.

verb phrase

1. to conclude; finish work on:

   to wrap up a project.

wrap

/ ræp /

verb

1. to fold or wind (paper, cloth, etc) around (a person or thing) so as to cover
2. often foll by up to fold paper, etc, around to fasten securely
3. to surround or conceal by surrounding
4. to enclose, immerse, or absorb

   wrapped in sorrow

5. to fold, wind, or roll up
6. intr; often foll by about, around, etc to be or become wound or extended
7. to complete the filming of (a motion picture or television programme)
8. informal.
   Also calledrap often foll by up to praise (someone)

noun

1. a garment worn wrapped around the body, esp the shoulders, such as a shawl or cloak
2. short for wrapround
3. a type of sandwich consisting of a tortilla wrapped round a filling
4. wrapping or a wrapper
5. slang.
   a small package of an illegal drug in powder form

   a wrap of heroin

6. informal.
   Also calledrap a commendation
7. 1. the end of a working day during the filming of a motion picture or television programme
   2. the completion of filming of a motion picture or television programme
8. keep under wraps
   to keep secret
9. take the wraps off
   to reveal

Other Words From

• in·ter·wrap verb (used without object) interwrapped interwrapping
• pre·wrap verb (used with object) prewrapped prewrapping
• pre·wrap noun
• re·wrap verb rewrapped rewrapping
• un·der·wrap noun
• un·der·wrap verb (used with object) underwrapped underwrapping

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrap¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English wrappen, of obscure origin; compare dialectal Danish vravle to wind

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrap¹

C14: origin unknown

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. under wraps, Informal. secret:

   The army wants this research project kept under wraps.

2. wrapped up in,
   1. intensely absorbed in:

      wrapped up in one's work.

   2. involved in; bound up with:

      Peace is wrapped up in willingness to compromise.

More idioms and phrases containing wrap

In addition to the idiom beginning with wrap , also see twist (wrap) around one's finger ; under wraps .

Example Sentences

Astronomers refer to this as the common envelope phase, as both stars become wrapped in the same material.

From Science Daily

The “Tragedy of Macbeth” actor said he never imbibed while working or preparing for a project, but would pick up drinking again after he wrapped.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s been going really well, we’re just about wrapping up, which I’m not terribly sad about. The show is finally in its final form. I’m always fiddling with the show, as I tour it.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m not going to bubble wrap it,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La.

From Salon

Biceps bulging out of a sleeveless shirt, sweaty scalp wrapped in a white bandana, plastered fingers on his left hand gripping a racquet.

From BBC

Related Words

• bandage
• bind
• bundle
• cloak
• clothe
• cover
• drape
• encase
• enclose
• fold
• hide
• immerse
• pack
• roll up
• sheathe
• shroud
• swaddle
• swathe