wreath

[ reeth ]

noun

, plural wreaths [ree, th, z, reeths].

1. a circular band of flowers, foliage, or any ornamental work, for adorning the head or for any decorative purpose; a garland or chaplet.
2. any ringlike, curving, or curling mass or formation:

   a wreath of clouds.

3. (in stair building)
   1. a curved section of a handrail.
   2. Also called wreathpiece. a curved section of a string.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to wreathe.

wreath

/ riːθ /

noun

1. a band of flowers or foliage intertwined into a ring, usually placed on a grave as a memorial or worn on the head as a garland or a mark of honour
2. any circular or spiral band or formation
3. a spiral or circular defect appearing in porcelain and glassware

Derived Forms

• ˈwreathˌlike, adjective
• ˈwreathless, adjective

Other Words From

• wreathlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wreath¹

before 1000; Middle English wrethe, Old English writha something wound or coiled; akin to writhe

Word History and Origins

Origin of wreath¹

Old English wrǣth, wrǣd; related to Middle Low German wrēden to twist. See writhe

Example Sentences

Sir Keir and the French president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital.

From BBC

In a message on the wreath that she laid, O'Neill wrote: "Today I remember all lives lost in the horror of war and conflict - past and present."

From BBC

Civic and political leaders laid wreaths at war memorials around the UK on Sunday.

From BBC

In Edinburgh, First Minister John Swinney was joined by veterans and the city’s lord provost in laying a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance outside the city chambers.

From BBC

At each one he lays a small cross or wreath, says a few words and observes a few moments of silence.

From BBC

Related Words

• bouquet
• garland