sheath

[ sheeth ]

/ ʃiθ /

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See synonyms for: sheath / sheathed / sheathing on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural sheaths

[sheethz]. /ʃiðz/.

a case or covering for the blade of a sword, dagger, or the like.

any similar close-fitting covering or case.

a condom.

Biology. a closely enveloping part or structure, as in an animal or plant.

Botany. the leaf base when it forms a vertical coating surrounding the stem.

a close-fitting dress, skirt, or coat, especially an unbelted dress with a straight drape.

Electricity. the metal covering of a cable.

Electronics.

the metal wall of a wave guide.
a space charge formed by ions near an electrode in a tube containing low-pressure gas.
the region of a space charge in a cathode-ray tube.

verb (used with object)

to sheathe.

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Origin of sheath

before 950; Middle English s(c)heth(e), Old English scēath; cognate with German Scheide;see shed²

OTHER WORDS FROM sheath

sheathless, adjectivesheathlike, sheathy, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH sheath

sheath , sheathe

Words nearby sheath

shear transformation, shearwater, shear wave, shear zone, sheatfish, sheath, sheathbill, sheathe, sheathing, sheath knife, sheath of eyeball

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use sheath in a sentence

The included rugged leather sheath securely attaches to a belt.
Runner-Up Review: The Hunting Gear That Almost Made Our 2022 Winter Buyer’s Guide|agintzler|October 26, 2021|Outside Online
Each season, this whole sheath adds a layer of carbon-capturing tissue from root to crown.
The first step in using trees to slow climate change: Protect the trees we have|Susan Milius|July 13, 2021|Science News
Inside the branches, the trunk and big roots, an actively growing sheath surrounds the inner ghost plumbing.
The first step in using trees to slow climate change: Protect the trees we have|Susan Milius|July 13, 2021|Science News
They can essentially shut down for months or even years at a time, and one species can ride out dry spells in a protective mucus sheath.
Salamanders have a secret to surviving climate change|Benji Jones|June 17, 2021|Vox

It measures in at 7 and ¼ inches in length, and includes a wooden sheath for easy storage and protection.
Best ice pick: A versatile winter tool for camping and more|PopSci Commerce Team|February 25, 2021|Popular-Science
De la Renta did design some stuff for Kennedy too—notably, one perfect belted sheath in crisp white linen.
How Oscar de la Renta Created First Lady Fashion|Raquel Laneri|October 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Finally, she slithered into a finished dress: the ultimate chic sheath, a collarless long-sleeved navy blue garment.
Tilda Swinton and Oliver Saillard Perform the Creation of Fashion in ‘Eternity Dress’|Sarah Moroz|November 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And she has been spotted wearing nothing but the most discrete, tailored sheath dresses.
Petraeus Affair Stereotypes: The General, The Flirt And The Harlot|Robin Givhan|November 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The first lady wore a Michael Kors sheath with a matching cropped jacket and traditional pearls.
Michelle Obama and Ann Romney: First Ladies of Style|Robin Givhan|October 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The brightly colored sheath was a form of political détente and self-definition.
Michelle Obama’s First-Lady Fashion: Subtle and Savvy|Robin Givhan|September 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The Datto complaisantly allowed me to draw it from the sheath and pass it round to my friends.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Whipping the long, keen blade from its sheath, Marius bore down upon the rash meddler.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Tail truncated, spine on the side of the tail very distinct, imbedded in a sheath.
Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia] [Volume 2 of 2]|Phillip Parker King
He saw a large sheath-knife, and secured that in his own belt; then he took a mouthful of wine, and went to his post.
The Chequers|James Runciman
He was trying to 286 work the knife from its sheath before I could force him backward or break his neck.
A Virginia Scout|Hugh Pendexter

British Dictionary definitions for sheath

sheath

/ (ʃiːθ) /

noun plural sheaths (ʃiːðz)

a case or covering for the blade of a knife, sword, etc

any similar close-fitting case

biology an enclosing or protective structure, such as a leaf base encasing the stem of a plant

the protective covering on an electric cable

a figure-hugging dress with a narrow tapering skirt

another name for condom

verb

(tr) another word for sheathe

Word Origin for sheath

Old English scēath; related to Old Norse skeithir, Old High German sceida a dividing; compare Old English scādan to divide

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for sheath

sheath

[ shēth ]

n. pl. sheaths (shēðz, shēths)

An enveloping tubular structure, such as the tissue that encloses a muscle or nerve fiber.

Scientific definitions for sheath

sheath

[ shēth ]

An enveloping tubular structure, such as the base of a grass leaf that surrounds the stem or the tissue that encloses a muscle or nerve fiber.

sheath

Origin of sheath

OTHER WORDS FROM sheath

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH sheath

Words nearby sheath

Words related to sheath

How to use sheath in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sheath

Word Origin for sheath

Medical definitions for sheath

Scientific definitions for sheath