mesh

1 of 2

noun

ˈmesh 

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

ˈmesht 

adjective

mesh

2 of 2

verb

meshed; meshing; meshes

transitive verb

1

a

: enmesh, entangle

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

They meshed traditions from several cultures into one wedding ceremony.

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

The two plans mesh well.

Synonyms of mesh

Noun

• web
• tangle
• trap

Verb

• trap
• tangle

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

Polyurethane covers the mesh base with a grid pattern, terracing and numerous acute angles including a series of arrows pointing toward the heel. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Sam’s head was bent low, his ear angled toward the mesh of their brown Stromberg-Carlson radio. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

Verb

Though Overton and Kennedy have worked closely on a range of health priorities, some people familiar with the dynamic questioned how the two would mesh if Overton moves from the White House to an FDA role that is technically subordinate to Kennedy. — Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

This would account for the way that everyday concerns (like missing the bus) and unlikely occurrences (being chased by evildoers) can mesh in dreams, forming a mix of strange situations. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for mesh

• creche
• flesh
• fresh
• lesch
• resh
• thresh
• afresh
• horseflesh
• refresh
• gilgamesh

Kids Definition

mesh

1 of 2 noun

ˈmesh 

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

b

: net entry 1 sense 1

3

: an arrangement of elements that are linked together : network

4

: the coming or fitting together of the teeth of two gears

meshed

ˈmesht 

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

ˈmesh 

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