knit

1 of 3

verb

ˈnit 

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

: knit stitch

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

The author seamlessly knits his life from the hazy connections to his family’s Chippewa heritage, to his official enrollment with the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians with attentive research and knowledge gathered from Indigenous intellectuals, elders, artists, activists, and historians. —Noah Davis, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Aug. 2024

There’s plenty to love about this slinky bodycon number, from the plethora of colors to the stretchy ribbed knit that isn’t see-through. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2024

Noun

So, while a bulky knit seems like an obvious fall choice, something a bit more paired back might be more comfortable. —Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2024

There are oversize shirts and suiting along with knits and knee-grazing jackets. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 14 Aug. 2024

Adjective

Available in 10 colors, this open-front knit cardigan features a flat notched lapel collar and two deep front pockets large enough to hold your smartphone, wallet, and keys at the same time. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2024

In addition to her yellow crewneck, she’s recently sported a zip-up sweater jacket, knit gray cardigan, and white crochet dress. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 14 Aug. 2024

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

Phrases Containing knit

• cable-knit
• close-knit
• double knit
• knit one's brow/brows
• knit stitch
• tight-knit
• warp knit
• weft knit
• well-knit

Kids Definition

knit

1 of 2 verb

ˈnit 

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

ˈnit 

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