# tendrils

/tˈɛndɹəlz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tendrils
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

thin, curling parts of a climbing plant that hold onto things for support. You see them on vines like peas or grapes.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.