weave

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈwēv 

wove ˈwōv  or weaved; woven ˈwō-vən  or weaved; weaving

transitive verb

1

a

: to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn)

specifically : to make (cloth) on a loom by interlacing warp and filling threads

b

: to interlace (threads) into cloth

c

: to make (something, such as a basket) by intertwining

2

: spin sense 2

—used of spiders and insects

3

: to interlace especially to form a texture, fabric, or design

4

a

: to produce by elaborately combining elements : contrive

b

: to unite in a coherent whole

c

: to introduce as an appropriate element : work in

—usually used with in or into

5

: to direct (something, such as the body) in a winding or zigzag course especially to avoid obstacles

intransitive verb

1

: to work at weaving : make cloth

2

: to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course especially to avoid obstacles

weave

2 of 3

noun

1

: something woven

especially : woven cloth

2

: any of the patterns or methods for interlacing the threads of woven fabrics

3

: a hair extension (see extension sense 7d)

specifically : a length of natural or synthetic hair that is sewn into one's natural hair after it has been braided into cornrows

weave

3 of 3

verb (2)

weaved; weaving

intransitive verb

: to move waveringly from side to side : sway

Synonyms of weave

Verb (1)

• braid
• twist
• blend
• ply
• intertwine
• mix
• interweave
• entwine

Examples of weave in a Sentence

Verb (1)

as they have for the past two centuries, crafters continue to weave osiers into the distinctive baskets that are the island's trademark

a political commentator who slyly weaves lies into the truth

a van weaving through traffic with reckless speed

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Robins and Bennett also suggest mixing bulb sizes on your trees and bushes for a softer, more dimensional sparkle, and weaving in ornaments with vintage or antique mirror finishes to catch and reflect the glow. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025

Boyle expands upon the original film’s world while cleverly weaving in salient themes, namely Britain’s recent tendency toward political isolationism and nostalgia. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2025

Noun

Some mills are also using tonal or reverse effects within the weave structure to simulate vintage or worn-in looks without additional washes. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025

Its jacquard weave reminds us of our favorite flannel patterns with a more minimalistic, modern look that can work in every space. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English weven, from Old English wefan; akin to Old High German weban to weave, Greek hyphainein to weave, hyphos web

Verb (2)

Middle English weven to move to and fro, wave; akin to Old Norse veifa to be in movement — more at wipe

First Known Use

Verb (1)

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

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing weave

• basket weave
• plain weave
• satin weave

Rhymes for weave

• breve
• cleave
• cleeve
• cleve
• eave
• eve
• grieve
• heave
• leave
• lieve
• neve
• reeve

Kids Definition

weave

1 of 2 verb

ˈwēv 

wove ˈwōv  or weaved; woven ˈwō-vən  or weaved; weaving

1

a

: to form by lacing together strands of material

especially : to make on a loom by lacing together threads going lengthwise with threads going crosswise

weave cloth

b

: to form into a fabric

weave wool into tweeds

2

: spin entry 1 sense 2b

a caterpillar weaves a cocoon

3

a

: to make by or as if by lacing together parts

wove an exciting adventure tale

b

: to insert as a part : work in

weave a moral into a tale

4

: to move back and forth or from side to side

weaving his way through a crowd of holiday shoppers

weave

2 of 2 noun

: a pattern or method of weaving