weave
weev
/wiːv/
To interlace threads, yarns, or strips of material to form a fabric or object.
Weaving specifically involves crossing warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads at right angles, distinguishing it from knitting or crocheting.
The story behind the word. Weaving is one of the oldest human technologies, dating back to the Neolithic period. The Old English 'wefan' was used both for making cloth and for 'weaving' thoughts or plans in the mind, a metaphor we still use when we talk about 'weaving a tale'.
Word relationships
- interlace: Interlace is a general term for crossing things over and under each other, while weave is specifically used for textiles and structured crafts.
- braid: Braiding involves diagonal interlacing of three or more strands, whereas weaving uses a perpendicular grid of threads.
- unravel: To unravel is to separate or undo woven or knitted threads.
Commonly confused with
- knit: Knitting uses needles to loop a single continuous yarn together, while weaving uses a loom to interlace two distinct sets of threads.
Word family
- weaver (noun): A person who weaves fabric.
- woven (adjective): Made by interlacing threads.
Collocations
- weave a basket
- weave a tapestry
- weave a story
- tightly woven
Idioms & expressions
- weave in and out (to move quickly through a crowd or traffic by changing direction)
Example sentences
- "She learned to weave thin willow branches together to create a sturdy basket for gathering apples." Making a wicker basket.
- "The novelist managed to weave several complex plotlines into a single, satisfying conclusion." Metaphorical use in storytelling.
Memory hook
Think of 'we'—when 'we' join hands and cross paths, we 'weave' a strong community. We join hands to weave.
When not to use
Do not use when describing crafts made from a single continuous thread looped together, which is knitting.
Fun facts
- The word 'web' (as in spiderweb or World Wide Web) comes directly from the same ancient root as weave, describing a structure made of interlaced threads.
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