knit

[ nit ]

verb (used with object)

, knit·ted or knit, knit·ting.

1. Knitting. to make (a garment, fabric, etc.) by interlocking loops of one or more yarns either by hand with knitting needles or by machine.
2. to join closely and firmly, as members or parts (often followed by together ):

   The tragedy knitted the family closer together.

   Synonyms: bind, unite, link

3. to contract into folds or wrinkles:

   to knit the brow.

4. to form or create from diverse sources or elements:

   She knitted her play from old folk tales and family anecdotes.

verb (used without object)

, knit·ted or knit, knit·ting.

1. to become closely and firmly joined together; grow together, as broken bones do.
2. to contract into folds or wrinkles, as the brow.
3. to become closely and intimately united.

noun

, Knitting.

1. fabric produced by knitting.
2. a knitted garment.
3. a style or type of knitting.
4. the basic stitch in knitting, formed by pulling a loop of the working yarn forward through an existing stitch and then slipping that stitch off the needle. Compare purl ¹( def 3 ).

knit

/ nɪt /

verb

1. to make (a garment, etc) by looping and entwining (yarn, esp wool) by hand by means of long eyeless needles ( knitting needles ) or by machine ( knitting machine )
2. to join or be joined together closely
3. to draw (the brows) together or (of the brows) to come together, as in frowning or concentrating
4. (of a broken bone) to join together; heal

noun

1. 1. a fabric or garment made by knitting
   2. ( in combination )

      a heavy knit

Derived Forms

• ˈknittable, adjective
• ˈknitter, noun

Other Words From

• knit·ta·ble adjective
• knit·ter noun
• pre·knit verb (used with object) preknitted or preknit preknitting
• re·knit verb reknitted or reknit reknitting

Word History and Origins

Origin of knit¹

before 1000; Middle English knitte, Old English cnyttan to tie; cognate with German knütten; knot ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of knit¹

Old English cnyttan to tie in; related to Middle Low German knütten to knot together; see knot ¹

Example Sentences

I know this is a really tight knit race between our two candidates.

From BBC

She also praised the "tight knit community" for coming together to help.

From BBC

Styled with an oversize knit sweater or a party top, this miniskirt, with its sleek and sumptuous sheen, will elevate any look.

From Los Angeles Times

The tram lines knit the city together.

From BBC

Dressed in baggy leather pants, his greasy hair tucked under a knit cap, the 24-year-old looks around the place like it’s the scene of some previous life — which is more or less the case, given how much has happened in the 18 months since he was sleeping here.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bind
• crochet
• fasten
• mend
• sew
• unite
• weave