trellis

[ trel-is ]

noun

1. a frame or structure of latticework; lattice.
2. a framework of this kind used as a support for growing vines or plants.
3. a summerhouse, gazebo, arch, etc., made chiefly or completely of latticework.
4. Heraldry. a charge of bendlets overlying bendlets sinister, the whole being cloué at the crossings.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with a trellis.
2. to enclose in a trellis.
3. to train or support on a trellis.
4. to form into or like a trellis.

trellis

/ ˈtrɛlɪs /

noun

1. a structure or pattern of latticework, esp one used to support climbing plants
2. an arch made of latticework

verb

1. to interweave (strips of wood, etc) to make a trellis
2. to provide or support with a trellis

Derived Forms

• ˈtrellis-ˌlike, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trellis¹

1350–1400; Middle English trelis < Middle French (noun) < Late Latin trilīcius (for Latin trilīx ) woven with three threads, equivalent to Latin tri- tri- + līci ( um ) thread + -us adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of trellis¹

C14: from Old French treliz fabric of open texture, from Late Latin trilīcius woven with three threads, from Latin tri- + līcium thread

Example Sentences

The fig and avocado trees were pruned a bit to provide as much sun as possible for the garden; a round steel trellis was installed on a walkway to support a thriving passion fruit vine; a guava hedge was cut back to create room for a blackberry patch and fruit trees such as white nectarine and pomegranate; and thick mulch was laid around the walkways to deter weeds.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s what you would buy if you were going to grow a couple of tomatoes and maybe a miniature eggplant on a trellis on your patio.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Instead of putting up a trellis where plants climb up, we thought ‘Why don’t we plant it on top and have it climb down,’ ” Johnsen said.

From Seattle Times

“It’s what you would buy if you were going to grow a couple of tomatoes and maybe a miniature eggplant on a trellis on your patio.”

From Los Angeles Times

Although Snyderman decided to keep the interior of the room visible, he built a free-standing trellis for track lighting.

From New York Times

Related Words

• arbor
• lattice