knit

1 of 3

verb

ˈnit 

knit or knitted; knitting

transitive verb

1

: to form by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles

2

a

: to link firmly or closely

knitted my hands

b

: to cause to grow together

time and rest will knit a fractured bone

c

: to contract into wrinkles

knitted her brow

3

chiefly dialectal : to tie together

intransitive verb

1

: to make knitted fabrics or objects

2

a

: to become compact

b

: to grow together

c

: to become drawn together

knitter noun

knit

2 of 3

noun

1

: knit stitch

2

a

: a knit fabric

b

knits plural : knitwear

knit

3 of 3

adjective

variants or knitted

1

: made from fabric formed by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles : made from a knitted fabric

red knit socks

a knit/knitted cap

2

: involving connections or bonds between things or people

a novel with a tightly knit plot

… a closely knit team of specialists and medical care professionals.

—Dorothea D. Glass

A record is usually the result of a small, tightly knit team working in very close contact and with a continuity of attention.

—Brian Eno

Examples of knit in a Sentence

Verb

a style that knits together material from many different sources

a town knit together by farming

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The Prayer Shawl Ministry, for anyone who enjoys knitting or crocheting, is looking for folks who enjoy making prayer shawls and squares, baby blankets and hats to minister to others. —Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 17 Aug. 2025

This two-piece includes a ribbed knit cropped top and tapered knit pants. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025

Noun

Just swap the light cotton tops for your favorite knits and tailored jackets to make the transition seamless. —Paulina Berges, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2025

Among the pretty-as-can-be linen dresses, ruffly, coquettish tops, and wide selection of denim on sale at Reformation right now, the surprising fashion category to snag during the brand’s summer sale is its repertoire of knits. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Featuring knit and crochet items, baby quilts, floral arrangements, jewelry and wooden crafts. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025

This chunky knit sweater at Amazon looks similar to Garner’s thanks to its chunky knitted fabric and slightly oversized fit. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English knitten, from Old English cnyttan; akin to Old English cnotta knot

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Noun

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing knit

• cable-knit
• close-knit
• double knit
• knit one's brow/brows
• knit stitch
• tight-knit
• warp knit
• weft knit
• well-knit

Rhymes for knit

• bit
• brit
• britt
• chit
• fit
• flit
• grit
• hit
• it
• kitt
• lit
• mitt

Kids Definition

knit

1 of 2 verb

ˈnit 

knit or knitted; knitting

1

: to form a fabric or garment by interlacing yarn or thread in connected loops with needles

knit a sweater

2

: to draw or come together closely as if knitted : unite firmly

wait for a broken bone to knit

3

: wrinkle entry 2

knit her brow

knitter noun

knit

2 of 2 noun

: a knit fabric or garment

Medical Definition

knit

verb

ˈnit 

knit or knitted; knitting

transitive verb

: to cause to grow together

time and rest will knit a fractured bone

intransitive verb

: to grow together

fractures in old bones knit slowly