Word
tendrils
Phoneticsten·drils
UK/tˈɛndɹəlz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. thin, curling parts of a climbing plant that hold onto things for support. You see them on vines like peas or grapes.
n. slender, coiling extensions of a climbing plant stem or leaf that twine around supports for attachment. Often extended metaphorically to wisps of hair, smoke, or other thin curling strands.
Examples
“The pea plant uses its tendrils to climb the fence.”
“The grapevine wraps its tendrils around the wire trellis to pull itself upward toward the sun.”
“Morning mist sent thin tendrils through the valley, curling around rooftops and trees before dissolving in the early light.”
Examples
simple
“The pea plant uses its tendrils to climb the fence.”
contextual
“The grapevine wraps its tendrils around the wire trellis to pull itself upward toward the sun.”
complex
“Morning mist sent thin tendrils through the valley, curling around rooftops and trees before dissolving in the early light.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tendrils” in context.
Verb
01. develop tendrils
“The seedlings develop tendrils once they are tall enough to climb.”
verb + noun
02. produce tendrils
“Young grapevines produce tendrils that anchor them to the wires.”
verb + noun
03. tendrils cling
“The tendrils cling firmly to the trellis even in strong wind.”
noun + verb
04. tendrils coil
“The tendrils coil around the string as the plant grows upward.”
noun + verb
05. tendrils curl
“The tendrils curl tightly around any support they touch.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. coiling tendrils
“The coiling tendrils tightened around the trellis after the rain.”
adj + noun
07. curling tendrils
“Curling tendrils reached out from the vine to grip the nearby fence.”
adj + noun
08. delicate tendrils
“The pea plant supported itself with delicate tendrils wrapped around the cane.”
adj + noun
09. slender tendrils
“Slender tendrils emerged from the stem and twisted around the wire.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. pea tendrils
“Chefs garnish salads with fresh pea tendrils for colour and crunch.”
noun + noun
11. tangle of tendrils
“A dense tangle of tendrils covered the old garden fence.”
noun + prep + noun
12. send out tendrils
“In spring, the clematis sends out tendrils to climb the wall.”
Real-World Examples
“Plants such as peas and cucumbers, climb using tendrils and these also can need some climbing assistance.” “With the edge sharpened up again, it can split coconuts or fend off the creeping tendrils of jungle vine.” “Like tendrils on a vine, lava spreads out from the northern crater of Krasheninnikov, a volcano pair on the Pacific coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.” “I’d always wake up to frizzy hair, with long tendrils sticking up and out.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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