What does trellis mean?
In modern English, a trellis is an open framework of crossed or interwoven strips used chiefly to support climbing plants such as roses, clematis, and beans. The word can also denote latticework or a similar decorative screen, especially in a garden or against a wall. It is useful in gardening and landscaping, where the support lets a plant spread while keeping its growth organized and visible. In older and specialized uses, the verb trellis means to furnish something with such a framework or to train a plant on one; this is uncommon in everyday speech but remains established in dictionaries. Trellis is used in both British and American English, with no important regional division in meaning. The term has a practical tone in garden writing and a more descriptive role in discussions of grids, screens, and woven structures. Its unusual history also gives it a memorable quality: through French, the word is linked to Latin transilire, “to leap across,” an apt idea for a structure that helps plants climb.
An open framework of crossed or interwoven strips used chiefly to support climbing plants; more generally, a lattice or lattice-like screen or framework.
"The gardener fastened the young vines to a trellis beside the patio."
Common in gardening and landscaping writing; the broader sense covers lattice-like structures used for screens, fences, and decoration.
To furnish with a trellis or to train a plant on one.
"The gardener trellises the clematis along the side of the house."
Established but relatively uncommon; it is more likely to appear in specialist or older usage than in everyday conversation.
The standard plural is trellises; because the singular ends in /s/, the plural is written with -es.
"A row of wooden trellises lines the garden path."
Its name reaches back to a Latin expression meaning “to leap across”—a fitting idea for a frame that helps plants climb.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trellis come from?
The English word dates from Middle English and came through Old French treillis, meaning latticework. Old French treillier, meaning to interlace or cover with latticework, is traced to Latin transilire, “to leap across,” formed from trans- and salire, “to leap.” That Latin root also underlies English words such as salt, salient, assault, and insult.
Related word forms
How trellis is actually used
The noun is common in gardening, landscaping, and architectural contexts. The verb is established but comparatively uncommon in contemporary usage.
Easily confused with trellis
A trellis is an open lattice or framework, often for climbing plants, whereas a trestle is a rigid support structure used to hold up a table, platform, or bridge.