knit

1 of 2

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

knitter

2 of 2

noun

knit·​ter

ˈnitə(r), 

-itə-

plural -s

1

: a person that knits by hand or operates a knitting machine

2

: a machine for making knit goods (as hose, jersey, sweaters)

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 lightweight knit is perfect for throwing on after a day at the beach, while curled up by the fire, or with a pair of linen pants and sandals. —Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026

Each piece features a seamless and stretchy waterproof, breathable membrane laminated between inner and outer knit layers. —ABC News, 8 June 2026

Lean into its subversive nature with an open-weave knit and a midiskirt. —Christina Holevas, Vogue, 3 June 2026

The rib knit prevents visible creasing, making this an especially smart choice for warm-weather travel. —Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

Middle English, from knitten to knit + -er

First Known Use

Verb

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

Phrases Containing knit

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

Rhymes for knit

• bit
• brit
• britt
• chit
• fit
• flit
• grit
• hit
• it
• kitt
• lit
• mitt

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