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
But in an aging country, in which women outlive men by about six years, the Belles are the kind of potent social network that knits older women together, as well as a window into successful aging. Colbi Edmonds Madeline Gray, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024 The former factory worker sparkles at the memory of the food shops inside and even a hung picture of a flowery scene that once served as a backdrop for portraits – all details of daily life that once helped knit this community together. Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Feb. 2024 TikToker Dixie D’Amelio has also been seen wearing the popular knit in brown. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 22 Feb. 2024 The anchor allowed his eyebrows to knit together on-air, and remained silent. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024 The Craft Yarn Council reports that a third of women ages 25 to 35 now knit or crochet. Jane E. Brody, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 It’s designed in a soft blend of cotton and bamboo; the exterior is waffle knit and the interior is terry, which dries me off while also feeling super cozy. Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 With a sweater knit on the outside and a faux-shearling lining, this blanket is big enough to comfortably cover two people, and there’s a pocket for your feet. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2024 Perhaps most exciting is research that suggests that crafts like knitting and crocheting may help to stave off a decline in brain function with age. Jane E. Brody, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
Noun
The vibrancy on this knit is like no other and the fabric is extremely cozy and soft. Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024 Pairing jeans with more classic elements—blazers, cashmere knits, and loafers, suggests Jordan—remains foolproof, with Weitz suggesting darker washes will deliver the most mileage. Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2024 Originally known for classic cotton knits, 525 evolved to offer cashmere, crochet, and a plethora of signature patterns and techniques. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 Novelty knits and eye-catching coats will keep you cozy and warm. Irina Grechko, refinery29.com, 22 Dec. 2023 Long lean lines, slim leather jackets, body skimming silk knits. Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2024 The collection boasts a number of knits, trench coats and jersey jackets bearing the brand’s logo. Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Collared Merino Wool-Blend Sweater While activewear may be their primary focus, Lululemon also has an array of timeless knits as well, and this collared, wool-blend top is practically a steal at $79. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2024 The craftsmanship was top-notch (knits were linked and never cut and sewn), crochet trims played up their knitter’s artisanal prowess, buttons were gold plated, and nearly all elements of production were in-house. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2024
Adjective
The Suit Yourself Long Sleeve Turtleneck Thong Bodysuit is constructed from a comfortable stretch knit material and features tummy-smoothing technology for a touch of shaping. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 This zip-up knit polo with the contrasting trim on the collar will modernize a linen suit for a summer wedding. Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Best texture: Timothée Chalamet Yui Mok - PA Images/Getty Images Not entirely sold on this sweater overall, but the knit scales certainly intrigue, and soften Timmy's super-angular frame and jawline. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2024 The list mentions the city's outdoorsy life and tightly knit community. Jordan Green, Detroit Free Press, 24 Feb. 2024 The soft waffle knit texture, buttons, and tie-front add an interesting flair to your look. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 What does the Apple Vision Pro come with? Apple Vision Pro comes with a solo knit band, dual loop band, a light seal, two light seal cushions, a cover for the front of the device, a polishing cloth, a battery, a USB-C charge cable and a USB-C power adapter. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 The must-have accessory was a knit cummerbund worn with a thin belt, defining the waistline in any look. Colleen Barry, Quartz, 22 Feb. 2024 Find it on Amazon Strut the Streets in This Adorable Knit Cardigan Embrace that pink and girly power in this amazing knit cardigan. Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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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