First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fold
noun \ˈfōld\
Definition of FOLD
1
: an enclosure for sheep
2
a : a flock of sheep b : a group of people or institutions that share a common faith, belief, activity, or enthusiasm
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Origin of FOLD
Middle English, from Old English falod; akin to Old Saxon faled enclosure
2fold
verb
Definition of FOLD
transitive verb
: to pen up or confine (as sheep) in a fold
First Known Use of FOLD
before 12th century
3fold
verb
Definition of FOLD
transitive verb
1
: to lay one part over another part of <fold a letter>
2
: to reduce the length or bulk of by doubling over <fold a tent>
3
: to clasp together : entwine <fold the hands>
4
: to clasp or enwrap closely : embrace
5
: to bend (as a layer of rock) into folds
6
a : to incorporate (a food ingredient) into a mixture by repeated gentle overturnings without stirring or beating b : to incorporate closely
7
a : to concede defeat by withdrawing (one's cards) from play (as in poker) b : to bring to an end
intransitive verb
1
: to become doubled or pleated
2
: to fail completely : collapse; especially : to go out of business
3
: to fold one's cards (as in poker)
— fold·able \ˈfōl-də-bəl\ adjective
Origin of FOLD
Middle English, from Old English fealdan; akin to Old High German faldan to fold, Greek diplasios twofold
First Known Use: before 12th century
4fold
noun
Definition of FOLD
1
: a part doubled or laid over another part : pleat
2
: something that is folded together or that enfolds
3
a : a bend or flexure produced in rock by forces operative after the depositing or consolidation of the rock b chiefly British : an undulation in the landscape
4
: a margin apparently formed by the doubling upon itself of a flat anatomical structure (as a membrane)
5
: a crease made by folding something (as a newspaper)
Illustration of FOLD
First Known Use of FOLD
13th century
FOLDED Defined for Kids
1fold
noun \ˈfōld\
Definition of FOLD for Kids
: an enclosure for sheep
2fold
verb
fold·edfold·ing
Definition of FOLD for Kids
1
: to lay one part over or against another part <fold a blanket>
2
: to clasp together <fold your hands>
3
: 1embrace 1 <She folded the child in her arms.>
3fold
noun
Definition of FOLD for Kids
1
: an act or the result of laying one part over or against another <With just a few folds he made a paper airplane.>
2
: a part laid over another part <the folds of the curtain>
3
: a bend produced in a rock layer by pressure
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