Definition

1. Verb:

   • To cover or enclose something by folding or winding a material around it: The primary meaning involves using a flexible material like paper, cloth, or plastic to surround an object.
   • To coil or fold something around another object or itself: This describes the action of twisting or arranging something in a circular or spiral shape.
   • To envelop or surround something completely: Often used figuratively to describe something being covered or immersed in an atmosphere or quality.

2. Noun:

   • A piece of material used to cover or enclose something: Typically refers to the covering itself, such as paper or plastic.
   • A type of sandwich where the filling is rolled inside a soft, flat bread: A specific food item.
   • A loose outer garment, such as a shawl or cloak: A piece of clothing designed to be worn wrapped around the body.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Please wrap the gift in colorful paper.
  • She wrapped a scarf around her neck to keep warm.
  • Fog wrapped the entire valley in a thick blanket.
• Noun:
  • The plastic wrap kept the food fresh.
  • I ordered a chicken wrap for lunch.
  • She wore a silk wrap over her evening gown.

Advanced Usage

• "to be wrapped up in something/someone": To be completely absorbed or deeply involved with something or someone; to give all one's attention to.
  • He is completely wrapped up in his new project.
• "to wrap (something) up": To complete or finish something, such as a task, meeting, or event.
  • Let's wrap up this discussion and make a decision.
• "it's a wrap": An informal phrase used to announce that something, like a filming session or an event, is finished.
  • The director shouted, "That's a wrap!" after the final scene.

Variants and Related Words

• Wrapper (n): A piece of paper, plastic, or other material that covers and protects a product.
  • He removed the candy wrapper.
• Wrapping (n): The material used to wrap something.
  • The Christmas present had beautiful wrapping.
• Enwrap (v): A more formal or literary synonym meaning to wrap or envelop.
  • Darkness enwrapped the forest.

Synonyms

• Envelop: To surround and cover something completely.
• Swathe: To wrap in several layers of material.
• Coil: To wind into loops or a spiral shape.
• Shroud: To cover or envelop, often with a sinister or mysterious connotation.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Wrap around: To encircle or coil something around an object.
  • The vine wrapped around the old tree trunk.
• Wrap in: To cover something by folding material around it.
  • She wrapped the baby in a soft blanket.

Related Idioms

• Wrap someone around your little finger: To have complete control or influence over someone.
  • The clever child has her parents wrapped around her little finger.
• Under wraps: Kept secret or confidential.
  • The new product design is still under wraps.

Noun

1. the covering (usually paper or cellophane) in which something is wrapped
2. a sandwich in which the filling is rolled up in a soft tortilla
3. cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person

Verb

1. crash into so as to coil around
   • The teenager wrapped his car around the fire hydrant
2. enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
   • Fog enveloped the house
3. arrange or or coil around
   • roll your hair around your finger
   • Twine the thread around the spool
   • She wrapped her arms around the child
4. arrange or fold as a cover or protection
   • wrap the baby before taking her out
   • Wrap the present