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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | fealdan |
Related topics:1 to bend a piece of paper, cloth etc by laying or pressing one part over another : 
Fold the paper along the dotted line.
bend
[transitive]
Fold the paper along the dotted line. fold something over/under/down etc Spoon the filling onto the dough, fold it over, and press down the edges.
Spoon the filling onto the dough, fold it over, and press down the edges.2 to fold something several times so that it makes a small neat shape [↪ unfold]: I wish you kids would fold up your clothes! He folded the map neatly.
smaller/neater
also fold up [transitive]DHI wish you kids would fold up your clothes!He folded the map neatly.3 if something such as a piece of furniture folds, or you fold it, you make it smaller or move it to a different position by bending it : The chairs fold flat for storage.
furniture etc
[intransitive and transitive]The chairs fold flat for storage. fold (something) away/up/down etc a useful little bed that folds away when you don't need it Can you fold the shutters back?
➔ foldinga useful little bed that folds away when you don't need itCan you fold the shutters back?4 to bend your arms so that they rest together against your body : George stood silently with his arms folded.
fold your arms
George stood silently with his arms folded.5 if an organization folds, it closes because it does not have enough money to continue
business
also fold up [intransitive]BB6 to cover something, especially by wrapping it in material or putting your hand over it
cover
[transitive always + adverb/preposition]fold something ↔ in
phrasal verbDFC to gently mix another substance into a mixture when you are preparing food : Next, fold in the sugar.
Next, fold in the sugar.