weave

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈwēv 

wove ˈwōv  or weaved; woven ˈwō-vən  or weaved; weaving

transitive verb

1

a

: to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn)

specifically : to make (cloth) on a loom by interlacing warp and filling threads

b

: to interlace (threads) into cloth

c

: to make (something, such as a basket) by intertwining

2

: spin sense 2

—used of spiders and insects

3

: to interlace especially to form a texture, fabric, or design

4

a

: to produce by elaborately combining elements : contrive

b

: to unite in a coherent whole

c

: to introduce as an appropriate element : work in

—usually used with in or into

5

: to direct (something, such as the body) in a winding or zigzag course especially to avoid obstacles

intransitive verb

1

: to work at weaving : make cloth

2

: to move in a devious, winding, or zigzag course especially to avoid obstacles

weave

2 of 3

noun

1

: something woven

especially : woven cloth

2

: any of the patterns or methods for interlacing the threads of woven fabrics

3

: a hair extension (see extension sense 7d)

specifically : a length of natural or synthetic hair that is sewn into one's natural hair after it has been braided into cornrows

weave

3 of 3

verb (2)

weaved; weaving

intransitive verb

: to move waveringly from side to side : sway

Synonyms of weave

Verb (1)

• braid
• twist
• blend
• ply
• intertwine
• mix
• interweave
• entwine

Examples of weave in a Sentence

Verb (1)

as they have for the past two centuries, crafters continue to weave osiers into the distinctive baskets that are the island's trademark

a political commentator who slyly weaves lies into the truth

a van weaving through traffic with reckless speed

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Leith emphasizes that Dwell Secure’s functionality extends beyond emergency scenarios, weaving into everyday property management. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Set in Los Angeles 1980, the film will chart how a single crime weaves together the lives of a TV host, his restless wife, a country music idol, two small-time crooks and an ex-con, all of whom are chasing the promise of a better life. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

Noun

For instance, Italic, an Australian brand, offers towels with a dense 800 GSM weave that feel like a cashmere bath blanket, according to one AD editor. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026

The Willa Crossbody features a vegan leather weave that adds a rich, sophisticated texture for an effortlessly chic appeal. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English weven, from Old English wefan; akin to Old High German weban to weave, Greek hyphainein to weave, hyphos web

Verb (2)

Middle English weven to move to and fro, wave; akin to Old Norse veifa to be in movement — more at wipe

First Known Use

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing weave

• basket weave
• plain weave
• satin weave

Rhymes for weave

• breve
• cleave
• cleeve
• cleve
• eave
• eve
• grieve
• heave
• leave
• lieve
• neve
• reeve

Kids Definition

weave

1 of 2 verb

ˈwēv 

wove ˈwōv  or weaved; woven ˈwō-vən  or weaved; weaving

1

a

: to form by lacing together strands of material

especially : to make on a loom by lacing together threads going lengthwise with threads going crosswise

weave cloth

b

: to form into a fabric

weave wool into tweeds

2

: spin entry 1 sense 2b

a caterpillar weaves a cocoon

3

a

: to make by or as if by lacing together parts

wove an exciting adventure tale

b

: to insert as a part : work in

weave a moral into a tale

4

: to move back and forth or from side to side

weaving his way through a crowd of holiday shoppers

weave

2 of 2 noun

: a pattern or method of weaving