weave
WEEV
/wiːv/
To form fabric or fabric-like structure by interlacing threads, or the specific pattern formed by this process.
Refers specifically to interlacing threads at right angles, as opposed to knitting or felting.
The story behind the word. The word comes directly from the Old English 'wefan', descended from Proto-Germanic '*weban'. Historically, weaving was one of humanity's earliest complex technologies, transforming agricultural fibers like flax and wool into essential clothing. The root also gave birth to 'web' and 'cobweb', linking spiders and textile workers in linguistic memory.
Word relationships
- interlace: Interlace is broader and applies to any crisscrossing straps or ribbons.
- entwine: Entwine implies twisting around a central axis rather than structured grid interlacing.
- unravel: Unravel means to separate woven threads back into loose strands.
- untangle: Untangle means clearing knots rather than deconstructing woven structure.
Commonly confused with
- knit: Weaving uses straight crisscrossed threads on a loom, whereas knitting uses looping yarns.
Word family
- weaver (noun): A person or device that weaves fabric.
- woven (adjective): Formed by interlacing threads.
Collocations
- tight weave
- loose weave
- weave together
- basket weave
Idioms & expressions
- weave a web
- weave magic
Example sentences
- "The old artisan would weave intricate patterns of colored silk into the tapestries of the grand hall." Literary narrative context
- "Weavers in the valley continue to weave traditional wool garments on hand-operated looms." Modern fashion citation
Memory hook
Think of a spider crafting its WEB — it has to WEAVE every strand into place. Webs are woven.
When not to use
Do not use for knitted fabrics or non-woven materials like leather and rubber.
Fun facts
- The Jacquard loom, invented in 1804 to automate complex weaves using punch cards, was a major inspiration for early digital computing!
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.