knit or knitted; knitting
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
1
: to make knitted fabrics or objects
2
a
: to become compact
b
: to grow together
c
: to become drawn together
knitter
noun
1
2
a
: a knit fabric
b
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
Dorothea D. GlassA record is usually the result of a small, tightly knit team working in very close contact and with a continuity of attention.—Brian Eno
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 WebClara McMahon, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
All these neurological systems may explain why so many of us responded to the fear and constraints of the pandemic by becoming experts in sourdough fermentation, woodworking, or knitting.
—Ayelet Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2024
Why were her mother’s fingers so blurry against the crisp knit of Prince Louis’s sweater?
—Karla Adam, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024
All this dressing ritual for a woman who now had nothing to do but sit in a chair in our living room and read or knit.
—Lyn Slater, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2024
Through this device, Waldman knits her disparate characters together and gives them something their routines would otherwise lack: a plot.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024
The level of cooperation required to knit together individualized communities of support is both gargantuan and necessary.
—Allen Arthur, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2024
Eventually the list is finalized, and a segment producer begins knitting it together, deciding who goes where, trying to create a soothing flow that syncs with the music.
—Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024
The anchor allowed his eyebrows to knit together on-air, and remained silent.
—Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024
Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024
Since many of our outfits will wind up buried under layers of wool, cashmere, and chunky knits, this season, the focus should be on our accessories.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2023
The fine-gauge knit is lightweight and comfortable, and the seamless toe prevents irritation.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024
In their hands that meant addictively atonal patchworks of stretch lace and glimmering knits, slouchy wide-wale cords and big faux-fur coats.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024
Loewe's anagram knits are also a top look this winter, with natural hues and a mohair blend.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
The collection is inspired by the retro ‘70s era with streetwear elements in denim pieces, matching sets, and knits.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 9 Feb. 2024
Dozens of brightly colored dresses, knits, and jackets are up to 70 percent off during the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 3 Jan. 2024
The vibrancy on this knit is like no other and the fabric is extremely cozy and soft.
—Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024
Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
Photographed by the legendary duo Meet & Marcus, Hathaway models pieces such as Versace’s leather corsets, denim staples, and slinky knit dresses.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024
This pull-on style is made from soft knit fabric and has a comfy-chic wide-leg fit.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2024
Sharing a photo of three pairs of matching shoes and one tiny pair of knit booties, Mendez expanded on the family's happiness in her caption.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024
Aside from giving it a different texture that feels great on the skin, the waffle knit design also lends itself well to easily being dressed up or down and can be worn for just about any occasion with the right bottoms, shoes, and accessories.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2024
Lariats offer a striking contrast when worn over sweaters or knit tops.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The organic cotton feels soft against the skin, while a knit elastic waistband gives tiny bellies room to breathe.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024
Wearing a knit football jersey and a knowing smile, Jess Mori holds a lemon out to the camera.
—Alyson Zetta Williams, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024
Verb
In addition to their cloud-like footbeds, the sneakers have a stretchy knit upper that’s plenty breathable, which is ideal for warm spring and summer days.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024
All these neurological systems may explain why so many of us responded to the fear and constraints of the pandemic by becoming experts in sourdough fermentation, woodworking, or knitting.
—Ayelet Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2024
Why were her mother’s fingers so blurry against the crisp knit of Prince Louis’s sweater?
—Karla Adam, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024
All this dressing ritual for a woman who now had nothing to do but sit in a chair in our living room and read or knit.
—Lyn Slater, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2024
Through this device, Waldman knits her disparate characters together and gives them something their routines would otherwise lack: a plot.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024
The level of cooperation required to knit together individualized communities of support is both gargantuan and necessary.
—Allen Arthur, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2024
Eventually the list is finalized, and a segment producer begins knitting it together, deciding who goes where, trying to create a soothing flow that syncs with the music.
—Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024
The anchor allowed his eyebrows to knit together on-air, and remained silent.
—Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024
Noun
The knits are some of the best pieces: an alpaca mesh cardigan and tunic in a shade of tomato red or dusty baby blue, an oversized cashmere crew in Copenhagen blue, and an asymmetric slouchy turtleneck in mint green.
—Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024
Since many of our outfits will wind up buried under layers of wool, cashmere, and chunky knits, this season, the focus should be on our accessories.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2023
The fine-gauge knit is lightweight and comfortable, and the seamless toe prevents irritation.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024
In their hands that meant addictively atonal patchworks of stretch lace and glimmering knits, slouchy wide-wale cords and big faux-fur coats.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024
Loewe's anagram knits are also a top look this winter, with natural hues and a mohair blend.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
The collection is inspired by the retro ‘70s era with streetwear elements in denim pieces, matching sets, and knits.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 9 Feb. 2024
Dozens of brightly colored dresses, knits, and jackets are up to 70 percent off during the Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 3 Jan. 2024
The vibrancy on this knit is like no other and the fabric is extremely cozy and soft.
—Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024
Adjective
They’re made of a super soft and comfortable knit fabric and have slip-resistant rubber soles.
—Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
Photographed by the legendary duo Meet & Marcus, Hathaway models pieces such as Versace’s leather corsets, denim staples, and slinky knit dresses.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024
This pull-on style is made from soft knit fabric and has a comfy-chic wide-leg fit.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2024
Sharing a photo of three pairs of matching shoes and one tiny pair of knit booties, Mendez expanded on the family's happiness in her caption.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024
Aside from giving it a different texture that feels great on the skin, the waffle knit design also lends itself well to easily being dressed up or down and can be worn for just about any occasion with the right bottoms, shoes, and accessories.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2024
Lariats offer a striking contrast when worn over sweaters or knit tops.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The organic cotton feels soft against the skin, while a knit elastic waistband gives tiny bellies room to breathe.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024
Wearing a knit football jersey and a knowing smile, Jess Mori holds a lemon out to the camera.
—Alyson Zetta Williams, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of knit was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing knit
Dictionary Entries Near knit
Cite this Entry
“Knit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knit. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
knit
1 of 2 verb
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
knit or knitted; knitting
: to cause to grow together
time and rest will knit a fractured bone
: to grow together
fractures in old bones knit slowly
More from Merriam-Webster on knit
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for knit
Nglish: Translation of knit for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of knit for Arabic Speakers
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