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

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

The series captures this dark legacy while weaving a fictional narrative that highlights the scale and impact of the sisters’ criminal empire. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

The museum also held workshops on weaving motankas (traditional Ukrainian rag dolls) and a blacksmithing festival. —Yegor Mostovshikov, The Dial, 9 Sep. 2025

Noun

Try the TikTok-viral brand’s Dreamweave Waffle Robe next, which takes advantage of a proprietary weave and a 100-percent Turkish cotton composition while doling out cloudlike softness, incredible lightness, and an absorbency that just might make toweling off after a shower optional. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025

Redway encourages clients to go for styles like closure or flip-over weaves with little to no leave-out. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 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