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wreath Definition

wreath (rēt̸h)

noun pl. wreathst̸hz, rēt̸hs

  1. a twisted band or ring of leaves, flowers, etc.; esp.,
    1. a chaplet worn as a mark of honor or victory
    2. a garland laid upon a grave or hung on a door, window, etc.
  2. something suggesting this in shape; twisted or circular band wreaths of smoke

Etymology: ME wrethe < OE writha, a ring, a twisted band < writhan, to twist: see writhe

wreath Synonyms

wreath

n.

garland, chaplet, laurel, lei, crown, festoon, floral design, funeral decoration, spray, flower arrangement; see also bouquet 1.

wreath Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • lay: The Queen lays a wreath there each year to honor the members of the armed forces who have died fighting for their country.
  • carve: The facade facing Church Street has a carved stone wreath above the main inscription.
  • hang: Around his head hung a wreath of stinking weeds.

Preposition: at

  • cenotaph: Charles laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in remembrance of those who fought in the Far East during the Second World War.
  • memorial: Photograph of Welsh survivors of the Spanish Civil War laying a wreath at the memorial.

Adjective modifier

  • poppy: His grave bears poppy wreaths placed there by the British Legion.
  • advent: The season is marked by lighting Advent candles set in an Advent wreath at the front of the church.
  • bridal: A skeleton form lay moldering there In the bridal wreath of that lady fair.
  • floral: A floral wreath was laid showing the minimum number of Iraqis killed by the conflict.
  • funeral: It turned out they were preparing funeral wreaths for the next day.
  • olive: I have thus painted winners; modern Greeks wearing the olive wreath, looking to the future with humility.

Preposition: on

  • behalf: Flower would lay the wreath on behalf of the Parish Council.
  • grave: John then joined Education Minister Estelle Morris laying wreaths on the grave of martyr James Hammett.

Noun used with modifier

  • laurel: A statue of Fame, holding a laurel wreath, was added at the last moment.
  • holly: The incident in question related to a holly wreath on a Stromness property being set alight.

Preposition: of

  • laurel: Badge: In front of a wreath of laurel, a mullet - approved by King George VI in June 1937.
  • poppy: The Prince lays a wreath of poppies in memory of all the troops who died at the battle of the Somme.
  • rose: October 18, 1950 Kathleen Oakley was crowned Harvest Queen of Thurgarton on Saturday, with a wreath of pink roses.
  • flower: Usually shown with a wreath of flowers in her hair.
  • smoke: His panting breath hung about him like a wreath of white smoke.

Browse dictionary entries near wreath

  1. wreak
  2. WRC
  3. wrathful
  4. wrath
  5. wrastle
  6. wrasse
  7. wrapt
  8. wrapping
  9. wrapper
  10. wrapped up in
  1. wreathe
  2. wreck
  3. wreckage
  4. wrecked
  5. wrecker
  6. wrecking
  7. wrecking bar
  8. wren
  9. wrench
  10. wrest