envelope
A flat paper container used to send letters or cards through the mail. It usually has a flap that you fold and stick down to close it.
Examples
3 of 5I need to buy a white envelope for my grandmother's birthday card.
I need to buy a white envelope for my grandmother's birthday card.
Please ensure the application is placed inside a sealed envelope.
Please ensure the application is placed inside a sealed envelope.
Just grab any old envelope and write the phone number on the back.
Just grab any old envelope and write the phone number on the back.
Word Family
Memory Tip
An Envelope is for Electronic mail's older brother: regular mail.
Quick Quiz
Don't forget to write the address on the ____ before you mail it.
Correct!
The correct answer is: envelope
Examples
I need to buy a white envelope for my grandmother's birthday card.
everydayI need to buy a white envelope for my grandmother's birthday card.
Please ensure the application is placed inside a sealed envelope.
formalPlease ensure the application is placed inside a sealed envelope.
Just grab any old envelope and write the phone number on the back.
informalJust grab any old envelope and write the phone number on the back.
The data collected from the participants was kept in a secure, labeled envelope.
academicThe data collected from the participants was kept in a secure, labeled envelope.
Please include a stamped return envelope with your signed contract.
businessPlease include a stamped return envelope with your signed contract.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
push the envelope
to go beyond the normal limits of what is possible
back-of-the-envelope calculation
a quick, rough estimation
under plain cover/envelope
sent in a way that does not show what is inside
Often Confused With
Envelop (without the 'e') is a verb meaning to wrap or cover something completely, whereas envelope is the noun for the paper container.
Usage Notes
The word 'envelope' is a countable noun. It is most commonly used in the context of sending mail or storing flat documents.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the final 'e' in the noun form, writing 'envelop' instead of 'envelope'.
Memory Tip
An Envelope is for Electronic mail's older brother: regular mail.
Word Origin
From the French word 'envelopper', meaning to wrap, cover, or surround.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, specifically in East Asia, money is traditionally given in red envelopes during holidays or special occasions.
Quick Quiz
Don't forget to write the address on the ____ before you mail it.
Correct!
The correct answer is: envelope
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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