Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

twine

noun
\ ˈtwīn How to pronounce twine (audio) \

Definition of twine

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a strong string of two or more strands twisted together
2 archaic : a twined or interlaced part or object
3 archaic : an act of twining, interlacing, or embracing

twine

verb (1)
twined; twining

Definition of twine (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to twist together
b : to form by twisting : weave
2a : interlace the girl twined her hands— John Buchan
b : to cause to encircle or enfold something
c : to cause to be encircled

intransitive verb

1 : to coil about a support
2 : to stretch or move in a sinuous manner : meander the river twines through the valley

twine

verb (2)
twined; twining

Definition of twine (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

chiefly Scotland : to cause (one) to lose possession : deprive twined him of his nose— J. C. Ransom

intransitive verb

chiefly Scotland : part you and me must twine— R. L. Stevenson
Other Words from twine Example Sentences Learn More about twine

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from twine

Noun

twiny \ ˈtwī-​nē How to pronounce twiny (audio) \ adjective

Verb (1)

twiner noun

Examples of twine in a Sentence

Noun

 The package was wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. a strong piece of twine

First Known Use of twine

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Verb (2)

1722, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

History and Etymology for twine

Noun

Middle English twin, from Old English twīn; akin to Middle Dutch twijn twine, Old English twā two

Verb (2)

alteration of Scots twin, from Middle English twinnen, from twin double

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about twine

Statistics for twine

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for twine

The first known use of twine was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for twine

twine

noun
How to pronounce twine (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of twine

: a string made of two or more threads twisted together

See the full definition for twine in the English Language Learners Dictionary

twine

noun
\ ˈtwīn How to pronounce twine (audio) \

Kids Definition of twine

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a strong string of two or more strands twisted together

twine

verb
twined; twining

Kids Definition of twine (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to twist together We twined the branches into a wreath.
2 : to coil around a support A vine twines around the pole.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on twine

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with twine

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for twine

Spanish Central: Translation of twine

Nglish: Translation of twine for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of twine for Arabic Speakers

Comments on twine

What made you want to look up twine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

nonpareil

Listen to the pronounciation of nonpareil

having no equal

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
TRENDING NOW

  1. surveillance Comey comments on Barr's use of 'spy'

  2. cavalier Virginia wins men's championship

  3. redact, redacted Barr discusses release of report

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games