variants or less commonly sheath
sheathed; sheathing

transitive verb

1
: to put into or furnish with a sheath
2
: to plunge or bury (a weapon, such as a sword) in flesh
3
: to withdraw (a claw) into a sheath
4
: to case or cover with something (such as sheets of metal) that protects
sheather noun

Examples of sheathe in a Sentence

sometimes shipbuilders sheathe a ship's bottom with copper for extra protection from barnacles and other threats
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The home also boasts a wooden staircase with black detailing on the railings, while another room has black and white tiling sheathing the walls. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024 The objects include stone knives with handles made of grass resin sheathed in paperbark bound with string. Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2024 Its soft pleats cradle the fish, sheathed in a batter made from three flours and vodka for maximum crunch, and latticed with powdered seaweed to give the appearance of tiny green veins. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2024 From the callous perspectives of enslavers and their investors, sheathing increased slavery profits by reducing deaths on the Middle Passage. Corinne Fowler / Made By History, TIME, 17 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for sheathe 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shethen, derivative of shethe sheath

Note: Middle English Dictionary cites Old English unscēaþian, but the source for this word is not established.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheathe was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sheathe

Cite this Entry

“Sheathe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheathe. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sheathe

verb
sheathed; sheathing
1
: to put into a sheath
sheathe your sword
2
: to cover with something that protects
sheathe a ship's bottom with copper
sheather noun

More from Merriam-Webster on sheathe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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