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fold

verb (1)
\ ˈfōld How to pronounce fold (audio) \
folded; folding; folds

Definition of fold

 (Entry 1 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to lay one part over another part of fold a letter
2 : to reduce the length or bulk of by doubling over fold a tent
3 : to clasp together : entwine fold the hands
4 : to clasp or enwrap closely : embrace
5a : to incorporate (a food ingredient) into a mixture by repeated gentle overturnings without stirring or beating
b : to incorporate closely
6a : to concede defeat by withdrawing (one's cards) from play (as in poker)
b : to bring to an end
7 : to bend (something, such as a layer of rock) into folds

intransitive verb

1 : to become doubled or pleated
2 : to fail completely : collapse especially : to go out of business
3 : to fold one's cards (as in poker)

fold

noun (1)

Definition of fold (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : a part doubled or laid over another part : pleat
2 : a crease made by folding something (such as a newspaper)
3 : something that is folded together or that enfolds
4a : a bend or flexure produced in rock by forces operative after the depositing or consolidation of the rock
b chiefly British : an undulation in the landscape
5 : a margin apparently formed by the doubling upon itself of a flat anatomical structure (such as a membrane)

fold

noun (2)

Definition of fold (Entry 3 of 5)

1a : a group of people or institutions that share a common faith, belief, activity, or enthusiasm His former colleagues would be glad to welcome him back into the fold.
b : a flock of sheep
2 : an enclosure for sheep

fold

verb (2)
folded; folding; folds

Definition of fold (Entry 4 of 5)

transitive verb

: to pen up or confine (sheep) in a fold

-fold

suffix

Definition of -fold (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : multiplied by (a specified number) : times —in adjectives a sixfold increase and adverbs repay you tenfold
2 : having (so many) parts threefold aspect of the problem

Illustration of fold

Illustration of fold

Noun (1)

fold 4a

In the meaning defined above

Other Words from fold More Example Sentences Learn More about fold

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Other Words from fold

Verb (1)

foldable \ ˈfōl-​də-​bəl How to pronounce foldable (audio) \ adjective

Examples of fold in a Sentence

Suffix

 It will repay you tenfold.

First Known Use of fold

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for fold

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Old English fealdan; akin to Old High German faldan to fold, Greek diplasios twofold

Noun (2) and Verb (2)

Middle English, from Old English falod; akin to Old Saxon faled enclosure

Suffix

Middle English, from Old English -feald; akin to Old High German -falt -fold, Latin -plex, -plus, Old English fealdan

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More Definitions for fold

-fold

suffix

English Language Learners Definition of -fold

: multiplied by (a specified number) : times
: having (so many) parts

See the full definition for -fold in the English Language Learners Dictionary

fold

noun
\ ˈfōld How to pronounce fold (audio) \

Kids Definition of fold

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: an enclosure for sheep

fold

verb
folded; folding

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