: 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
Example Sentences
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 WebTwo Marines placed a wreath on the stone crypt containing the ashes of Holocaust victims and Biden listened as a cantor recited the remembrance prayer.Arkansas Online, 14 July 2022 Two Marines placed a wreath on the stone crypt containing the ashes of Holocaust victims and Biden listened as a cantor recited the remembrance prayer. Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2022 Two Marines placed a wreath on the stone crypt containing the ashes of Holocaust victims. Josh Boak, Jesef Federman, Aamer Madhani, Anchorage Daily News, 13 July 2022 There was a moment of silence and a wreath-laying, before the crowd of dozens began to slowly migrate toward City Hall, where a portrait of the victims would be unveiled. Katie Mettler, Washington Post, 28 June 2022 President Joe Biden headed to Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day to take part in the traditional wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, along with first lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.ABC News, 30 May 2022 The commemoration will be hosted by former news anchor Marc Bailey and will feature Memorial Day video messages, musical performances by Marine Band San Diego, a wreath laying, and a missing-man flyover. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2022 Bagpipes played and there was the symbolic wreath-laying. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 12 May 2022 Members of the public were invited to view the casket at the Capitol from noon to 3 p.m. and to an outdoor wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial on the Washington Mall at 4 p.m. Libby Cathey, ABC News, 14 July 2022 See More
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