wreathe
wreathe Lexical Profile
wreathe Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cover, surround, or encircle something (especially with or as if with a garland or wreath).
"By late autumn, ivy and climbing roses had begun to wreathe the stone pillars of the archway."
To twist, intertwine, or weave flowers, branches, or other flexible materials into a circular garland.
"The children gathered wildflowers from the meadow to wreathe into crowns for the summer festival."
To move with a curling, twisting, or spiraling motion (especially of smoke, mist, or vapor).
"Thin ribbons of woodsmoke began to wreathe upward from the cottage chimney into the crisp morning air."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the verb 'wreathe' (pronounced with a voiced 'th' as in 'breathe') with the noun 'wreath' (pronounced with an unvoiced 'th' as in 'teeth') or the related verb 'writhe' (to twist or squirm in pain).
• Rhymes for wreathe
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English as a back-formation from the past participle 'wreathen' (from Old English 'wrīthan', meaning 'to twist') and influenced by the noun 'wreath'.