wrap

American  

[rap] / ræp /

verb (used with object)

wrapped, wrapt, wrapping

1. to enclose in something wound or folded about (often followed byup ).

   She wrapped her head in a scarf.

2. to enclose and make fast (an article, bundle, etc.) within a covering of paper or the like (often followed byup ).

   He wrapped the package up in brown paper.

3. to wind, fold, or bind (something) about as a covering.

4. to protect with coverings, outer garments, etc. (usually followed byup ).

5. to cover (fingernails) with a sheer silk or linen fabric, as to repair or strengthen them.

6. to surround, envelop, shroud, or hide.

7. to fold or roll up.

8. Movies, Television. to finish the filming of (a motion picture).

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verb (used without object)

wrapped, wrapt, wrapping

1. to wrap oneself (usually followed byup ).

2. to become wrapped, enclosed, packaged, or folded (usually followed byup ).

   This hat wraps up into a pocket-size square—perfect for hiking and camping.

3. Movies, Television. to complete the filming of a motion picture.

   We hope to wrap in time for Christmas.

noun

1. something to be wrapped about the person, especially in addition to the usual indoor clothing, such as a shawl.

   an evening wrap.

2. a beauty treatment in which a part or all of the body is covered with cream, lotion, herbs, or the like and then wrapped snugly with cloth.

3. a sheer silk or linen fabric glued to the fingernails to repair or strengthen them.

4. a flatbread wrapped around a filling and eaten as a sandwich.

5. Movies, Television.

   1. the completion of photography on a film or an individual scene.

   2. the termination of a working day during the shooting of a film.

adjective

1. wraparound in style.

   a wrap skirt.

verb phrase

1. wrap up to conclude; finish work on.

   to wrap up a project.

idioms

1. wrapped up in,

   1. intensely absorbed in.

      wrapped up in one's work.

   2. involved in; bound up with.

      Peace is wrapped up in willingness to compromise.

2. under wraps, secret.

   The army wants this research project kept under wraps.

wrap British  

/ ræp /

verb

1. to fold or wind (paper, cloth, etc) around (a person or thing) so as to cover

2. (often foll by up) to fold paper, etc, around to fasten securely

3. to surround or conceal by surrounding

4. to enclose, immerse, or absorb

   wrapped in sorrow

5. to fold, wind, or roll up

6. (intr; often foll by about, around, etc) to be or become wound or extended

7. to complete the filming of (a motion picture or television programme)

8. Also called: rap.  informal (often foll by up) to praise (someone)

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noun

1. a garment worn wrapped around the body, esp the shoulders, such as a shawl or cloak

2. short for wrapround

3. a type of sandwich consisting of a tortilla wrapped round a filling

4. wrapping or a wrapper

5. slang a small package of an illegal drug in powder form

   a wrap of heroin

6. Also called: rap.  informal a commendation

7. 1. the end of a working day during the filming of a motion picture or television programme

   2. the completion of filming of a motion picture or television programme

8. to keep secret

9. to reveal

wrap More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing wrap

• twist (wrap) around one's finger
• under wraps

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Other Word Forms

• interwrap verb (used without object)
• prewrap verb (used with object)
• rewrap verb
• underwrap noun

Etymology

Origin of wrap

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English wrappen, of obscure origin; compare dialectal Danish vravle to wind

Example Sentences

As with saunas, the big question is whether the benefits come from the temperature itself, or everything wrapped around it.

From BBC

In an official press release wrapping up their 2025 dates, the band were quietly enigmatic.

From BBC

As we wrap up 2025 and prepare to greet 2026, keep in mind what will be open and closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

From MarketWatch

The New England Patriots wrapped up the AFC East on Sunday, beating the New York Jets 42-10 on a day when the Buffalo Bills also lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

From The Wall Street Journal

The show will run for eight hours, wrapping up at 1 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bandage
• bind
• bundle
• cloak
• clothe
• cover
• drape
• encase
• enclose
• fold
• hide
• immerse
• pack
• roll up
• sheathe
• shroud
• swaddle
• swathe