envelope
/ˈɛnvə(ˌ)ləʊp/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: envelopes
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A paper or cardboard wrapper used to enclose small, flat items, especially letters, for mailing.
Noun
Examples
Now we are liberal with our innermost secrets, spraying them into the public ether with a generosity our forebears could not have imagined. Where we once sent love letters in a sealed envelope, or stuck photographs of our children in a family album, now such private material is despatched to servers
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Something that envelops; a wrapping.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “envelope” mean?
A paper or cardboard wrapper used to enclose small, flat items, especially letters, for mailing.
Is “envelope” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.