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

He can be found yelling at the TV when the Bears play, working on his tennis and golf game, endlessly searching for the world’s tastiest donut, and enjoying retirement with my Mom, who is sure to be knitting something colorful and comfy. —Outside Online, 11 June 2025

There are technical ways to knit together networks, but those aren’t foolproof. —Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 10 June 2025

Noun

While her sumptuous knits and smart suiting did help catalyze the stealth wealth craze, Paltrow’s own style usually has a bit more of an edge, expressed through bold colors or a little sparkle. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 18 June 2025

The handbags are made in Italy and Asia, the knits are done in Peru, the denim is made in Turkey and the wovens in India. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 June 2025

Adjective

Featuring knit and crochet items, baby quilts, floral arrangements, jewelry and wooden crafts. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025

Lane Bryant Lena Flutter-sleeve Knit Dress Short, sweet, and full of personality, this soft knit dress has flutter sleeves, a surplice neckline, and princess seams for a comfortable feel and tailored look. —Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 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