Meaning & use
envelope
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A flat paper container, usually with a sealable flap, used for sending letters or documents.
Grammar: Countable: an envelope, two envelopes. Often used with 'in': put the letter in an envelope.
Patterns
- an envelope
- in an envelope
- seal an envelope
- open an envelope
She sealed the envelope and put a stamp on it.
The check arrived in a plain white envelope.
Please write the address clearly on the envelope.
nouncountabletechnical
An outer covering or layer that surrounds something.
Grammar: Countable; common in science and everyday descriptions of coverings.
Patterns
- the envelope of something
- a protective envelope
- an envelope of gas
The cell is protected by a thin outer envelope.
An envelope of warm air surrounded the building.
The virus has a lipid envelope that helps it enter cells.
nouncountabletechnical
A limit or boundary within which something operates, especially in physics or engineering.
Grammar: Countable; often used in phrases like 'flight envelope' or 'performance envelope'.
Patterns
- the flight envelope
- within the envelope
- push the envelope
The pilot kept the plane within its safe flight envelope.
Engineers tested the material beyond its normal operating envelope.
The team is always trying to push the envelope of what is possible.
Word forms
| plural | envelopes |
|---|
Common combinations
- seal an envelope
- He sealed the envelope with a quick lick.
- open an envelope
- She opened the envelope carefully with a letter opener.
- in an envelope
- The tickets are in an envelope on the table.
- push the envelope
- The designer likes to push the envelope with bold colors.
- flight envelope
- The jet exceeded its flight envelope during the test.
Synonyms and how they differ
- wrapper
- A general covering, often for food or packages; 'envelope' is specifically for letters or a natural covering.
- covering
- Broader and less specific; an envelope is a particular kind of covering.
Word family
- envelop verb
- To cover or surround completely.
Commonly confused: envelope or envelop?
envelope vs envelop
Envelop is a verb meaning to cover or surround; envelope is the noun for the paper container. Remember the final 'e' for the noun.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'envelope' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Envelope is a noun, so it fits after 'an' in sentence 2. Sentences 1, 3, and 4 need the verb 'envelop' (or 'enveloped').
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “envelope”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.