English Dictionary

Definition of “wreath

wreath (riːθPronunciation for wreath

Definitions

noun

Word forms: plural, wreaths, riːðzriːθs
  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

Alternative Forms

ˈwreathless adjective ˈwreathˌlike adjective

Word Origin

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

Usage examples

  • `And stop - "She noticed the wreath for the first time.
    Babson, Marian, Death in Fashion (1985)
  • No, it was just one race -- a sprint -- one winner, one olive wreath.
    India Today (1996)
  • He attached a handwritten note to his wreath , which read: "In continuing grateful memory.
    CBC (2004)
  • The mayor had earlier laid a wreath at the city's war memorial for Remembrance Sunday.
    Belfast Telegraph (2003)
  • A small white blossom is the favourite, sometimes sown singly in a woman's hair like little stars, now composed in a thick wreath.
    Eric Newby, A BOOK OF LANDS AND PEOPLES (2003)

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