intertwine

verb

in·​ter·​twine ˌin-tər-ˈtwīn How to pronounce intertwine (audio)
intertwined; intertwining; intertwines

transitive verb

: to unite by twining one with another

intransitive verb

: to twine about one another
also : to become mutually involved
intertwinement noun

Example Sentences

He's always telling stories in which the present and the past intertwine. His fate is intertwined with hers.
Recent Examples on the Web The concept of planetary health acknowledges that the ecosystem and our health are inextricably intertwined. Wynne Armand, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2023 Taiwan’s talent crisis is intertwined with TSMC’s success. Paul Mozur, New York Times, 11 May 2023 An integral part of Hawaiian culture is to be intertwined with the natural world, and in ancient times, leis were used in sacred ways, like for religious offerings and a way to connect with Hawaiian gods, who manifested themselves in natural things, like valleys and plants. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 1 May 2023 The short examines the life and work of the painter and beloved Detroit muralist, as well as how deeply and personally her work is intertwined with social justice. Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 27 Apr. 2023 In season 1, creator, showrunner, and executive producer Gloria Calderón Kellett wanted to show how the diverse Latino community celebrated holidays through modern love stories, intertwined with joy, heartbreak, and family. Yolanda Machado, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2023 Although tension has been brewing for a year now, Florida and Disney are deeply intertwined. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2023 For Yellen, Monday’s unannounced trip to Kyiv highlighted how intertwined national security and economic security have become. Marc Santora, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Feb. 2023 Technology is ever more intertwined with our lives and rapidly developing. Carmen Ene, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intertwine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of intertwine was in 1641

Dictionary Entries Near intertwine

Cite this Entry

“Intertwine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intertwine. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

intertwine

verb
in·​ter·​twine ˌint-ər-ˈtwīn How to pronounce intertwine (audio)
: to twine or cause to twine about one another : interlace

More from Merriam-Webster on intertwine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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