mesh

1 of 2

noun

1
: one of the openings between the threads or cords of a net
also : one of the similar spaces in a network
often used to designate screen size as the number of openings per linear inch
2
a
: the fabric of a net
b
: a woven, knit, or knotted material of open texture with evenly spaced holes
c
: an arrangement of interlocking metal links used especially for jewelry
3
a
: a weblike pattern or construction
b
: web, snare
usually used in plural
4
: working contact (as of the teeth of gears)
in mesh
meshed adjective

mesh

2 of 2

verb

meshed; meshing; meshes

transitive verb

1
b
: to catch in the openings of a net
2
: to cause to resemble network
3
a
: to cause (parts, such as gears) to engage
b
: to coordinate closely : interlock

intransitive verb

1
: to become entangled in or as if in meshes
2
: to be in or come into mesh
used especially of gears
3
: to fit or work together properly

Examples of mesh in a Sentence

Noun We covered the blueberry bushes in nylon mesh to keep the birds from the fruit. a routine request that got hung up in the meshes of the state bureaucracy Verb They meshed traditions from several cultures into one wedding ceremony. The book tries to mesh philosophy and humor. The two plans mesh well. The gears weren't meshing properly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There is something intoxicating about the complex mesh of speculations and theories, all of which seek to explain an admittedly dark and baffling history. Lucas Ropek / Gizmodo, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 The sides of the canopy are see-through mesh, so your baby is never out of sight. Maya Polton, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024 The wall has been lowered to 18 feet in Friendship Park plaza, where families separated by immigration laws used to gather, though they were separated by a mesh that limited contact to the tips of the fingers. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2024 It can be equipped with a titanium mesh bracelet ($9,200) or a Nato strap ($8,100), but Magnussen opted for the mesh for added strength. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2024 Spoon pureed raspberries into a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl; press raspberries using the back of a spoon to strain juices. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2024 Gerwig’s gown, meanwhile, was a sparkling Gucci number of crystal mesh that also had an armor-like feel. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 Several tees and hoodies include mesh graphics combining a map of Detroit with the Minimog Voyager Synthesizer and Akai MPC3000, machines that J Dilla used to churn out abstract beats. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 The singer's look was topped off with a black hat accented with a mesh veil. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
Verb
The multiplayer factors in with some abilities meshing well with other. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 For example, the exterior sports tons of wood shingles that mesh well with the rural area. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 The nurse's habit meshed with studies by Mars that showed half of chewers reached for gum to relieve stress or boost concentration. By dee-Ann Durbin, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 The nurse’s habit meshed with studies by Mars that showed half of chewers reached for gum to relieve stress or boost concentration. Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Its fantastical re-creations of Victorian London, Lisbon, Alexandria and Paris meshed with the progression of lead character Bella Baxter’s journey, informing and delighting each step of the way. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Driver lets you into Enzo as far as possible given the material, though the actor’s warmth and decency never fully mesh with his character’s cool, consuming self-interest. Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2023 Gemini Airy Gemini is another mutable sign that Pisces doesn’t always mesh well with. Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2024 Emmanuel Ogbah ▪ Skinny: In Fangio’s scheme, Ogbah played more like a stand-up outside linebacker as opposed to a lineman with his hand in the ground and the role change never meshed. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mesh.' 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

Noun

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch maesche; akin to Old High German masca mesh, Lithuanian mazgos knot

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesh was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mesh

Cite this Entry

“Mesh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesh. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mesh

1 of 2 noun
1
: one of the spaces formed by the threads of a net or the wires of a sieve or screen
2
a
: a loosely woven fabric with evenly spaced holes
3
: an arrangement of elements that are linked together : network
4
: the coming or fitting together of the teeth of two gears
meshed adjective

mesh

2 of 2 verb
1
: to catch in or as if in a mesh : entangle
2
: to fit together : interlock
mesh gears

Medical Definition

mesh

noun
: a flexible netting of fine wire used in surgery especially in the repair of large hernias and other body defects

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