verb

sheathe

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Sheathe (verb) means to put (something such as a knife or sword) into a sheath.

verb

To put (something such as a knife or sword) into a sheath.

To cover something completely in a protective layer.

"But he could never come up with enough enchantment or dream material to sheathe himself in. It would not cover." — Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift (1976)

"She sheathed her legs in the sheerest of the nylons that her father had brought back from the Continent, and slipped her feet into the toeless, high-heeled shoes of black suède." — Alexander Alderson (1954)

Of an animal, to pull a body part, such as a claw, back inside the body.

To push a sharp object, such as a blade or claw, deep into something.

Easily confused with

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

From Late Middle English shethen (“to put (a sword or knife) into a sheath, sheathe; to provide with a sheath; (figuratively) to have sexual intercourse”) [and other forms], then: * probably from Old English *scēaþian; or * possibly from Middle English sheth, shethe (“holder for a sword, knife, etc., scabbard, sheath”) [and other forms] + -en (suffix forming the infinitive of verbs). Sheth(e) is derived from Old English sċēaþ (“sheath”), from Proto-West Germanic *skaiþiju, from Proto-Germanic *skaiþiz (“sheath; covering”), from Proto-Indo-European *skey- (“to dissect, split”) (possibly from the notion of a split stick with a sword inserted).

Antonyms

unsheathe

Related words

unsheathe sheath

Rhymes for sheathe

lathe bathe loathe wreathe breathe sunbathe

See all rhymes for sheathe →

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of sheathe?

"sheathe" (verb) means to put (something such as a knife or sword) into a sheath.

What is the opposite of sheathe?

The opposite of "sheathe" is unsheathe.

What are the different meanings of sheathe?

"sheathe" has 3 main meanings: 1. To put (something such as a knife or sword) into a sheath; 2. To cover something completely in a protective layer; 3. Of an animal, to pull a body part, such as a claw, back inside the body.

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