raveling

American

[rav-uh-ling] / ˈræv ə lɪŋ /

especially British, ravelling

noun

something raveled out, as a thread drawn or separated from a knitted or woven fabric.

Etymology

Origin of raveling

First recorded in 1650–60; ravel + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Meanwhile, Penelope sat at home, weaving and raveling.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2022

It’s methodical work, pulling the line in hand-over-hand and raveling it back onto the spools.

From Washington Times • Apr. 1, 2018

The novel is set in igth century Italy, and the wit and irony with which it deals with its themes�the raveling aristocracy, the Italian blood mania for land�suggest Giuseppe di Lampedusa's fine novel.

From Time Magazine Archive

She held the raveling in her palm, touched it with her forefinger, and noted its spiraling.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Whatever his fortune, whatever the cut of his garment, there would always be the hem—the tuck and fold that hid his raveling edges; a someone sweet, industrious and loyal to shore him up.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023