wreath

American  

[reeth] / riθ /

noun

PLURAL

wreaths

1. a circular band of flowers, foliage, or any ornamental work, for adorning the head or for any decorative purpose; a garland or chaplet.

2. any ringlike, curving, or curling mass or formation.

   a wreath of clouds.

3. (in stair building)

   1. a curved section of a handrail.

   2. Also called wreathpiece.  a curved section of a string.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to wreathe.

wreath British  

/ riːθ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• wreathless adjective
• wreathlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of wreath

before 1000; Middle English wrethe, Old English writha something wound or coiled; akin to writhe

Example Sentences

This mirrors a visit to Hamburg during the UK state visit to Germany in 2023, when King Charles laid a wreath remembering the civilian casualties of wartime Allied bombing raids.

From BBC

The man was involved in the wreath laying in Llandudno, Conwy county, on Sunday, and saluted the war memorial before marching away with a colleague.

From BBC

The Royal Horticultural Society is also set to donate wreaths made by their ambassadors and schoolchildren.

From BBC

King Charles led the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations, laying a wreath at the solemn ceremony held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London.

From BBC

Belfast's ceremony began with a two-minute silence at 11:00 GMT and Belfast Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly laid a wreath on behalf of the city' citizens.

From BBC

Related Words

• bouquet
• garland