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
1
: to work at weaving : make cloth
2
: to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course especially to avoid obstacles
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
Synonyms
Examples of weave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Alan Feuer, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
At Fox River Academy, an environmental charter school in Appleton, environmental education is woven into virtually all aspects of students’ learning.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024
As detailed in the research journal Nature Biotechnology, a team at Imperial College London has genetically engineered new microbial strains capable of being woven into wearable material, while simultaneously self-dyeing itself in the process.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2024
Zookeepers will also weave in discussions on possible animal behaviors both pre- and post-eclipse during the day.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2024
But even with that woven into the company’s pitch, the ambitious 30-year-old still needed cash.
—Hugo Miller, Fortune Europe, 2 Apr. 2024
Some key steps can include weaving sustainability into daily operations and cheering small wins.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
One can, of course, weave multiple plot strands together to surreal but emotionally dazzling effect.
—David Benedict, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024
Goody wove the shawl for Daniel Day-Lewis to wear as Lincoln based on a careful study of the original dark wool shawl now held by the Smithsonian.
—Rachel Dickinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The curtain is a waffle weave fabric, which gives it a luxurious, spa-like feel.
—Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024
The three ceramic bowls are all one piece and each has a weave pattern on the outside to mimic an Easter basket.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024
Synthetic weaves are making a strong case for high visibility.
—Elaine Markoutsas, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
Designers love these swatches and the multiplicity of weaves to choose from.
—Rachel Dickinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024
Other fabrics within this category include many rayon, corduroy, velvet and velour weaves, Norman adds.
—Helen Carefoot, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024
What to Know About Sheets Before Shopping Material There are several material and weave options to consider before buying a sheet set.
—Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024
Its light-catching black weave gives a sporty but elegant look to console covers and door trim inlays.
—Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2023
The caddy is offered in either brown or gray and is made with a steel frame and resin wicker weave for a stylish touch.
—Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2023
LLMs have an incredible ability to generate unique text, cracking jokes and weaving narratives about imaginary characters.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Apr. 2023
Residents line their irrigation ditches with shells, hang blue bottles from trees to ward off evil spirits and weave intricate baskets with seagrass found along the coast.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 6 Apr. 2023
Remove brittle plastic, then weave on new vinyl strapping.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023
The Emiratis signed on, and Alp operatives began weaving webs of associations linking Islamic Relief officials to the Muslim Brotherhood or to violent extremists.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2023
John Stocco, not the most nimble of runners, got outstanding blocking and weaved his way through traffic for the game-winning touchdown with 24 seconds left.
—Jeff Potrykus, Journal Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2023
At a carpet factory in Kabul, women who were former government employees or high school and university students now spend their days weaving carpets.
—Rahim Faiez, ajc, 9 Mar. 2023
Verb
Even some seemingly casual phrases Mr. Blanche has woven into his court filings appear designed with the client’s perspective in mind.
—Alan Feuer, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
At Fox River Academy, an environmental charter school in Appleton, environmental education is woven into virtually all aspects of students’ learning.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024
As detailed in the research journal Nature Biotechnology, a team at Imperial College London has genetically engineered new microbial strains capable of being woven into wearable material, while simultaneously self-dyeing itself in the process.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2024
Zookeepers will also weave in discussions on possible animal behaviors both pre- and post-eclipse during the day.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2024
But even with that woven into the company’s pitch, the ambitious 30-year-old still needed cash.
—Hugo Miller, Fortune Europe, 2 Apr. 2024
Some key steps can include weaving sustainability into daily operations and cheering small wins.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
One can, of course, weave multiple plot strands together to surreal but emotionally dazzling effect.
—David Benedict, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024
Goody wove the shawl for Daniel Day-Lewis to wear as Lincoln based on a careful study of the original dark wool shawl now held by the Smithsonian.
—Rachel Dickinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024
Noun
The best way to choose a good bamboo steamer is to make sure that the top basket has a thick weave.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The curtain is a waffle weave fabric, which gives it a luxurious, spa-like feel.
—Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024
The three ceramic bowls are all one piece and each has a weave pattern on the outside to mimic an Easter basket.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024
Synthetic weaves are making a strong case for high visibility.
—Elaine Markoutsas, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
Designers love these swatches and the multiplicity of weaves to choose from.
—Rachel Dickinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024
Other fabrics within this category include many rayon, corduroy, velvet and velour weaves, Norman adds.
—Helen Carefoot, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024
What to Know About Sheets Before Shopping Material There are several material and weave options to consider before buying a sheet set.
—Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024
Its light-catching black weave gives a sporty but elegant look to console covers and door trim inlays.
—Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024
Verb
The second act began to weave The Record together with the group’s debut EP boygenius.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2023
The caddy is offered in either brown or gray and is made with a steel frame and resin wicker weave for a stylish touch.
—Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2023
LLMs have an incredible ability to generate unique text, cracking jokes and weaving narratives about imaginary characters.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 Apr. 2023
Residents line their irrigation ditches with shells, hang blue bottles from trees to ward off evil spirits and weave intricate baskets with seagrass found along the coast.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 6 Apr. 2023
Remove brittle plastic, then weave on new vinyl strapping.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023
The Emiratis signed on, and Alp operatives began weaving webs of associations linking Islamic Relief officials to the Muslim Brotherhood or to violent extremists.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2023
John Stocco, not the most nimble of runners, got outstanding blocking and weaved his way through traffic for the game-winning touchdown with 24 seconds left.
—Jeff Potrykus, Journal Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2023
At a carpet factory in Kabul, women who were former government employees or high school and university students now spend their days weaving carpets.
—Rahim Faiez, ajc, 9 Mar. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'weave.' 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
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of weave was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing weave
Dictionary Entries Near weave
Cite this Entry
“Weave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weave. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
weave
1 of 2 verb1
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
More from Merriam-Webster on weave
Nglish: Translation of weave for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of weave for Arabic Speakers
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