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Definition of sheathe

sheathe

/ʃiːð/
sheathe
Adjective:sheathed
•
Past Simple:sheathed
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Past Participle:sheathed
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Present Participle:sheathing
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sheathe Lexical Profile

sheathe Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To put a sharp tool, knife, or blade into a protective case or scabbard.

Example

"The gardener carefully cleaned the pruning knife and sheathed it before storing it in the shed."

2

To encase, cover, or line something with a protective layer or outer material.

Example

"The underground fiber-optic cables are sheathed in heavy-duty plastic to protect them from moisture."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sheathe
Antonyms
View all antonyms for sheathe

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse the verb "sheathe" (ending in -e and pronounced with a voiced 'th' sound, as in "breathe") with the noun "sheath" (pronounced with an unvoiced 'th' sound, as in "teeth").

• Rhymes for sheathe

• Nearby Words

sheatfish
sheath
sheathbill
sheathe
sheathing
shebang
shebelle

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived in Middle English as a verbal formation from the Old English noun "scēath" (meaning "scabbard" or "split piece of wood"), which goes back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to divide" or "to split."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sheathe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sheathe
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