knit

1 of 3

verb

ˈnit 

knit or knitted; knitting

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

1

: to make knitted fabrics or objects

2

a

: to become compact

b

: to grow together

c

: to become drawn together

knitter noun

knit

2 of 3

noun

1

: knit stitch

2

a

: a knit fabric

b

knits plural : knitwear

knit

3 of 3

adjective

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

A record is usually the result of a small, tightly knit team working in very close contact and with a continuity of attention.

—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 Web

Verb

The Benedict Center, seeking cold weather gear and clothing for women, will receive several sets of scarves and hats knitted by the Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid knitting club — one of a handful of Jewish knitting groups that contributed warmth-giving gifts. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024

Fit for a low-key holiday party with friends, the shade plays well the Fair Isle knits in the collection, but a simple sweater in chocolate brown or cream would work just as well here for a more neutrals-forward look. —Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024

Noun

Designer Elisabetta Franchi, herself a regular in Cortina, also picked the marquee boutique to debut her brand’s Chalet capsule collection of ski and après-ski apparel, with a dedicated corner spotlighting the brand’s ski suits and cocooning knits. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024

Polo Ralph Lauren has no shortage of festive knits and accessories to meet the moment. —Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024

Adjective

It’s made with a luxe faux fur texture and waffle knit design that comes in green or pink, and it can be effortlessly draped on a couch or bed for lounging and movie nights. —Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

The waffle knit construction proved both insulating and breathable. —Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing knit

• cable-knit
• close-knit
• double knit
• knit one's brow/brows
• knit stitch
• tight-knit
• warp knit
• weft knit
• well-knit

Kids Definition

knit

1 of 2 verb

ˈnit 

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

ˈnit 

knit or knitted; knitting

transitive verb

: to cause to grow together

time and rest will knit a fractured bone

intransitive verb

: to grow together

fractures in old bones knit slowly