wreath

noun

plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz How to pronounce wreath (audio) ˈrēths How to pronounce wreath (audio)
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 Hang up this artificial spring wreath to instantly make your front door more inviting. Isabel Garcia, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 Threshold Spring Grass Preserved Lavender Wreath Target is a go-to stop when shopping for wreaths. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 Brazil soccer great Ronaldo, the 1994 and 2002 World Cup winner, was among many to send wreaths. Mauricio Savarese, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2024 Head to Amazon to shop more outdoor spring decor, then keep scrolling for twinkling pastel lights, on-sale outdoor pillows, and Easter wreaths. Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024 Each seasonal wreath features gorgeous florals, Easter eggs, lavender sprigs, and more. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 After a couple of stops—laying a wreath at a memorial, visiting a stone house that Washington used as his headquarters—the motorcade headed to a community college in the nearby suburb of Blue Bell, where Biden would give a speech. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Tons of shoppers are buying up artificial greenery, like this gorgeous wreath and this adorable tulip bouquet. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 Hibiscus, oleander and other colorful blossoms decorate the facades as does the occasional flower wreath that’s hung on May 1 to celebrate the start of spring. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wreath.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of wreath was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wreath

Cite this Entry

“Wreath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wreath. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

wreath

noun
plural wreaths ˈrēt͟hz How to pronounce wreath (audio) ˈrēths How to pronounce wreath (audio)
: something twisted or woven into a circular shape
a wreath of flowers
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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