knit

1 of 4

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 4

noun (1)

1

: knit stitch

2

a

: a knit fabric

b

knits plural : knitwear

knit

3 of 4

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

knitter

4 of 4

noun (2)

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 mesh knit upper is breathable and lightweight, while the slip-on design means getting them on and off is a breeze. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Nardulli knitted his thick eyebrows at the top of his nose, turning toward the sea. — Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026

Noun

Yarmosky looks to have a go-to outfit formula, too, keeping things low-key and sharp with tailored pants and simple knits. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2026

Any passerby will feel a sudden craving for a pumpkin spice latte and a cozy knit. — Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Women in their 20s and 30s have been drawn to Sézane like moths to a flame, stocking up on the lacey button-downs, knit sweaters, beachy totes and prairie dresses to fill their work and weekend wardrobes. — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026

With an oversized silhouette, short sleeves, and a subtle V-neckline, the knit bridges the gap between comfy and polished for a wardrobe staple that can create so many outfits. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

Middle English, from knitten to knit + -er

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun (1)

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

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