Word
trellis
Phoneticstrel·lis, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹɛɫəs/
UK/tɹˈɛliz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a frame made of crossed wooden or metal bars that climbing plants grow on. You often see it against walls or fences in gardens.
n. a lattice framework, typically of wood or metal, that supports climbing plants. Often fixed to a wall or fence or set freestanding in a garden.
Examples
“The roses climb up the wooden trellis.”
“She fixes a small trellis to the balcony wall so the beans have something to climb.”
“The old garden wall, half-hidden behind a weathered trellis heavy with jasmine, gave the courtyard both privacy and shade.”
Examples
simple
“The roses climb up the wooden trellis.”
contextual
“She fixes a small trellis to the balcony wall so the beans have something to climb.”
complex
“The old garden wall, half-hidden behind a weathered trellis heavy with jasmine, gave the courtyard both privacy and shade.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “trellis” in context.
Verb
01. attach trellis
“He attached the trellis firmly to the brick wall.”
verb + noun
02. build trellis
“My father built a trellis from old wooden battens.”
verb + noun
03. climb up trellis
“The ivy slowly climbed up the trellis toward the balcony.”
verb + prep + noun
04. erect trellis
“They hired a gardener to erect a trellis along the sunny fence.”
verb + noun
05. grow on trellis
“Sweet peas will grow happily on a trellis in full sun.”
verb + prep + noun
06. install trellis
“We installed a trellis against the garage wall last spring.”
verb + noun
07. paint trellis
“She painted the trellis white to match the fence.”
verb + noun
Adjective
08. decorative trellis
“They added a decorative trellis to make the small patio feel private.”
adj + noun
09. metal trellis
“A sturdy metal trellis will support heavy climbing roses for years.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. length of trellis
“A short length of trellis gives the clematis room to spread.”
noun + prep + noun
11. fix trellis to fence
“We fixed the trellis to the fence before planting the clematis.”
12. put up a garden trellis
“We put up a garden trellis for the runner beans in April.”
Real-World Examples
“Last month volunteers worked on building permanent trellises for several garden beds.” Etymology
From Middle English trelis, from Anglo-Norman treslis, from Old French treille (“arbor”), from Latin trichila (“arbor", "summer house”). However, see OED which claims another Old French form referring to sackcloth, from Vulgar Latin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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