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Definition of "sheath" [sheath]

  • A case for a blade, as of a sword. (noun)
  • Any of various similar coverings. (noun)
  • Biology An enveloping tubular structure, such as the base of a grass leaf that surrounds the stem or the tissue that encloses a muscle or nerve fiber. (noun)
  • A close-fitting dress. (noun)
  • A condom. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "sheath" in a sentence
  • "Most likely, the term sheath is just another case of your typical Texan malapropism."
  • "I do this not because I am covetous of fine things (although I am that), but because a depressing number of cutlers turn out a fine knife and the sheath is an afterthought."
  • "But I’d chosen to be Galan’s sheath and I would do the same if it were mine to do over; I ought to be brazen, and wear the word sheath proudly, and never flinch at it."