wreath

wreath — noun

1. a rounded band made by weaving together fresh or dried plant material such as bl

1.nounB1
Definition

a rounded band made by weaving together fresh or dried plant material such as blooms, greenery, or twigs. People hang one on a door during the Christmas season, or put one on a grave or at a monument in memory of someone who is no longer alive.

Example

Every Christmas, the Watanabes hang a wreath of pine branches on their front door.

collocation: wreath of [material]

Hamza placed a simple wreath of white roses at his grandfather's grave.

phrase: place a wreath at [location]

Common collocations
  • lay a wreath
  • place a wreath
  • Christmas wreath
  • funeral wreath
  • wreath of flowers
  • wreath of laurel
Synonyms
  • garland

    a more general term for a loop or chain of flowers; it may not be a closed circle like a wreath

  • chaplet

    a specific type of wreath worn on the head or used in religious contexts; much less common in everyday language

Usage Note

Often used with verbs like 'lay' and 'place'. A funeral wreath is typically placed on a grave or at a memorial site. A Christmas wreath is usually hung on a door or wall.

Common Mistakes

She hung a wreath of smoke in the air.
She hung a Christmas wreath on the door.
'wreath' for smoke or mist is a literary metaphor, not the everyday meaning taught at this level.

2. a ring of plant materials like blossoms, foliage, or stems that you place on top

2.nounB2
Definition

a ring of plant materials like blossoms, foliage, or stems that you place on top of your head. In historical times people gave such headpieces to show respect for someone's achievements, and people still wear them today at weddings, festivals, and other special celebrations.

Example

In ancient Greece, winning athletes received a wreath of olive branches.

historical context: olive wreath as a victory prize

The bride wore a delicate wreath of white flowers in her hair.

Common collocations
  • wear a wreath
  • laurel wreath
  • olive wreath
  • wreath of flowers
  • wreath on one's head
Synonyms
  • garland

    a more general term for a decorated band; can be worn on the head or around the neck

  • crown

    implies royalty and is often made of metal or jewels rather than flowers

  • laurel

    specifically a wreath made from laurel leaves, historically a symbol of victory or achievement

Usage Note

Commonly describes ancient or ceremonial headwear. Often specifies the material — 'laurel wreath', 'olive wreath', 'flower wreath'. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about wearing on the head, not hanging or placing as a decoration or memorial.

Common Mistakes

I bought a wreath for my hair at the shop.
I bought a wreath of flowers to wear in my hair.
'wreath' implies a circular arrangement of natural materials, not a simple manufactured hairband.
He wore a wreath around his neck.
She wore a wreath of flowers on her head.
'wreath' is worn on the head, not around the neck.

Word family

  • wreathe
    verbC1
  • wreathed
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A 'wreath' is always a closed circle of natural materials like flowers, leaves, or branches. A 'garland' is a more general term — it can be a loop, a chain, or even a hanging decoration that is not fully circular. 'Chaplet' refers specifically to a small wreath worn on the head, often for religious purposes, and is much less common in everyday language. 'Crown' usually suggests a royal headpiece made of metal or jewels rather than plant materials. For example, you 'lay a wreath' at a memorial, but you would not describe it as a 'garland' or 'chaplet' in that context.

garlandchapletcrown ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • lay a wreath
  • place a wreath
  • wear a wreath

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishGermanicEnglish

The word 'wreath' comes from Old English 'wrǣþ', meaning a band or fillet. It is related to the Old English verb 'wrīþan' (to twist or bend), which also gave us the modern verb 'writhe'. The circular shape of a wreath comes from the twisting of branches or vines into a ring — the original idea was 'something twisted into a circle.'