sheath

noun \ˈshēth\

: a cover for the blade of a knife, sword, etc.

: a protective covering

: a close-fitting dress that does not usually have a belt

plural sheaths \ˈshēthz, ˈshēths\

Full Definition of SHEATH

: a case for a blade (as of a knife)

: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as

a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted

b (1) : the lower part of a leaf when surrounding the stem (2) : an ensheathing spathe

: any of various covering or supporting structures that resemble in appearance or function the sheath of a blade: as

a : sheathing 2

b : a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt

c British : condom 1

See sheath defined for English-language learners

See sheath defined for kids

Origin of SHEATH

Middle English shethe, from Old English scēath; akin to Old High German sceida sheath and perhaps to Latin scindere to split — more at shed

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SHEATH

Synonyms: armor, capsule, casing, cocoon, cover, covering, encasement, housing, hull, husk, jacket, pod, ¹case, shell

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with SHEATH

eath, heath, Meath, neath, wreath

SHEATH Defined for Kids

sheath

noun \ˈshēth\

plural sheaths \ˈshēthz\

Definition of SHEATH for Kids

: a case for a blade (as of a knife)

: a covering that surrounds and usually protects something

Medical Dictionary

sheath

noun \ˈshēth\

plural sheaths \ˈshēthz, ˈshēths\

Medical Definition of SHEATH

: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as a : the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted b : the connective tissue of an organ or part that binds together its component elements and holds it in place

: condom 1

—sheathed adjective