mesh

1 of 2

noun

ˈmesh 

1

: one of the openings between the threads or cords of a net

also : one of the similar spaces in a network

—often used to designate screen size as the number of openings per linear inch

2

a

: the fabric of a net

b

: a woven, knit, or knotted material of open texture with evenly spaced holes

c

: an arrangement of interlocking metal links used especially for jewelry

3

a

: a weblike pattern or construction

b

: web, snare

—usually used in plural

4

: working contact (as of the teeth of gears)

in mesh

meshed

ˈmesht 

adjective

mesh

2 of 2

verb

meshed; meshing; meshes

transitive verb

1

a

: enmesh, entangle

b

: to catch in the openings of a net

2

: to cause to resemble network

3

a

: to cause (parts, such as gears) to engage

b

: to coordinate closely : interlock

intransitive verb

1

: to become entangled in or as if in meshes

2

: to be in or come into mesh

—used especially of gears

3

: to fit or work together properly

Synonyms

Noun

• entanglement
• morass
• net
• noose
• quagmire
• quicksand
• snare
• tanglement
• toil(s)
• trap
• web

Verb

• catch up
• enmesh
• immesh
• ensnare
• ensnarl
• entangle
• entoil
• entrap
• net
• snare
• tangle
• trap

Examples of mesh in a Sentence

Noun

We covered the blueberry bushes in nylon mesh to keep the birds from the fruit.

a routine request that got hung up in the meshes of the state bureaucracy

Verb

They meshed traditions from several cultures into one wedding ceremony.

The book tries to mesh philosophy and humor.

The two plans mesh well.

The gears weren't meshing properly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The lower edge of the fly sits between the outer mesh and an inner waterproof fabric layer that prevents water from dripping inside. —New Atlas, 2 June 2025

The rubies are articulated on the gold mesh and hand assembled. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Verb

This season, give it a modern update by pairing it with ballet sneakers or mesh flats that feel fresh. —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 28 May 2025

But the boy’s Indigenous spiritual life does not mesh with the mission’s Christianity and his mysterious power becomes a threat. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch maesche; akin to Old High German masca mesh, Lithuanian mazgos knot

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for mesh

• creche
• flesh
• fresh
• lesch
• resh
• thresh
• afresh
• horseflesh
• refresh
• gilgamesh

Kids Definition

mesh

1 of 2 noun

ˈmesh 

1

: one of the spaces formed by the threads of a net or the wires of a sieve or screen

2

a

: a loosely woven fabric with evenly spaced holes

b

: net entry 1 sense 1

3

: an arrangement of elements that are linked together : network

4

: the coming or fitting together of the teeth of two gears

meshed

ˈmesht 

adjective

mesh

2 of 2 verb

1

: to catch in or as if in a mesh : entangle

2

: to fit together : interlock

mesh gears

Medical Definition

mesh

noun

ˈmesh 

: a flexible netting of fine wire used in surgery especially in the repair of large hernias and other body defects