knit

1 of 3

verb

knit or knitted; knitting

transitive verb

1
: to form by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles
2
a
: to link firmly or closely
knitted my hands
b
: to cause to grow together
time and rest will knit a fractured bone
c
: to contract into wrinkles
knitted her brow
3
chiefly dialectal : to tie together

intransitive verb

1
: to make knitted fabrics or objects
2
a
: to become compact
b
: to grow together
c
: to become drawn together
knitter noun

knit

2 of 3

noun

1
2
a
: a knit fabric
b
knits plural : knitwear

knit

3 of 3

adjective

variants or knitted
1
: made from fabric formed by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles : made from a knitted fabric
red knit socks
a knit/knitted cap
2
: involving connections or bonds between things or people
a novel with a tightly knit plot
… a closely knit team of specialists and medical care professionals.Dorothea D. Glass
A record is usually the result of a small, tightly knit team working in very close contact and with a continuity of attention.Brian Eno

Examples of knit in a Sentence

Verb a style that knits together material from many different sources a town knit together by farming
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
For slightly edgy attire, sport Massimo Dutti’s cashmere-blend knit with a pair of wide-leg leather pants from Zara. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2023 The Duchess of Sussex paired a sleeveless white cable knit Ralph Lauren top with white jeans and black ankle-strap flats, wearing her hair in a ponytail and carrying a striped sweater. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023 And because each knit is clearly labeled with a monogram, Santa will have no trouble delivering treats to everyone on his nice list. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 13 Sep. 2023 Likewise, knitting a pair of socks as a gift (albeit with expensive yarn bought online and shipped thousands of miles) is now seen as a thoughtful gesture and sign of leisure. Coco Krumme, WIRED, 13 Sep. 2023 Price at time of publish: $52 Uncommon Goods Custom Pet Sweater View On Uncommon Goods Surprise the dog or cat lady in your life with this custom piece that features her furry family members' faces knitted directly into a jacquard crewneck sweater. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2023 The crew-length socks are knit from polyester, viscose bamboo, and elastane, lending a lightweight feel and a buttery-soft texture. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2023 On the first day of senior year, best friends Brittany (Kaia Gerber) and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) nod to Clueless’s Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) in a yellow plaid Maje top and a sunny argyle knit by Glamorous, respectively. Fawnia Soo Hoo, refinery29.com, 4 Sep. 2023 Crocheting or looking for a new pattern or project to crochet or knit while my son naps and my daughter is at school…with warm coffee nearby. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2023
Noun
The knit was one of the first pieces Osborne and Muir designed for Warm & Wonderful and helped push the British label into the public eye. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2023 The knit was offered with an estimate of $50,000 to $80,000. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2023 Think: leather trenches, yummy knits, killer boots. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 31 Aug. 2023 Her go-tos include monochrome sets, pretty knits, big pants, and classic tees. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 Aug. 2023 Opt for plaid patterns, fuzzy fabrics, or chunky knits to amplify the feel. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 The knit was one of the first pieces Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne designed for Warm & Wonderful and helped propel the label into the public eye. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 June 2023 The capsule consists of a variety of lightweight knits made with the same craftsmanship and fine materials that brand is famous for. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 18 June 2023 The collection features knits in utilitarian fits, corduroys, and fleece pieces that can be worn in an everyday fashion with an elevated twist. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 28 Aug. 2023
Adjective
Styling-wise, wear the It item with Mango’s knit maxidress and little black booties from COS. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2023 Better Homes & Gardens Solid Knit Throw This knit throw is as comfortable as snuggling up in your favorite sweater. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2023 The outfit is truly only complete when styled with a fine knit shirt or sweater, a fall jacket, a trench coat, or a blazer, with accessories kept at a minimum. Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2023 What sets this blanket apart is its chunky knit design, a timeless yet contemporary style that instantly elevates any space. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2023 Stretchy, knit headbands have served a couple of purposes in my lifetime. Marci Robin, Allure, 13 Sep. 2023 The range also features office-ready suiting selects—there’s also an exquisite gown with knit detailing. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2023 In another standout look, the Oscar nominee wore a navy bikini top featuring straps across the front, paired with a low-rise knit column skirt in a navy-and-white diagonal striped pattern, with fringe adorning the hem. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Sep. 2023 Adam and his siblings have always been incredibly close As kids, Adam had a close knit bond with his older siblings. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English knitten, from Old English cnyttan; akin to Old English cnotta knot

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Noun

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of knit was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near knit

Cite this Entry

“Knit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knit. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

knit

1 of 2 verb
knit or knitted; knitting
1
: to form a fabric or garment by interlacing yarn or thread in connected loops with needles
knit a sweater
2
: to draw or come together closely as if knitted : unite firmly
wait for a broken bone to knit
3
: wrinkle entry 2
knit her brow
knitter noun

knit

2 of 2 noun
: a knit fabric or garment

Medical Definition

knit

verb
knit or knitted; knitting

transitive verb

: to cause to grow together
time and rest will knit a fractured bone

intransitive verb

: to grow together
fractures in old bones knit slowly

More from Merriam-Webster on knit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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