Envelope Definition, Examples & Common Uses

Meaning 1：paper cover for mail (envelope)

envelope 🔊

/ˈɛnvəˌloʊp/

A flat, usually paper container that you put a letter or card in before you send it by mail.

White paper envelope on wooden table with address and stamp

paper cover for mail 🔊

➕

/ˈpeɪpər ˈkʌvər fɔr meɪl/

A flat, usually rectangular piece of folded paper used to enclose a letter or card for mailing, with a flap that can be sealed.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From French 'enveloppe', from en- (in) + voloper (to wrap), originally meaning a wrapper or covering.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'in-velope' – a 'velop' is like a wrap, so an envelope wraps your letter inside for protection.

📖 Example

After writing the birthday card, I slid it into the envelope, sealed it, and put a stamp on the corner. 🔊 After writing the birthday card, I slid it into the envelope, sealed it, and put a stamp on the corner.

🔗 Collocations

seal an envelope – to close the flap of an envelope, usually by licking or using adhesive

open an envelope – to tear or cut the flap to access the contents

return envelope – a pre-addressed envelope included with a letter for the recipient to send a reply

🔄 Synonyms

wrapper (n.) – a piece of paper or material that covers something

cover (n.) – something that is placed over or around another thing to protect or conceal it

pouch (n.) – a small bag or flexible container, often used for holding documents

🌱 Derivatives

envelop (v.) – to wrap around or cover completely

envelopment (n.) – the act of surrounding or covering something

envelope-sized (adj.) – having dimensions suitable for fitting inside a standard envelope

📖 Cultural Story

Borrowed from French in the 16th century, ultimately from Latin 'volvere' (to roll). The modern postal envelope was popularized in the 19th century with the introduction of adhesive stamps and standardized mail systems.