knit

American  

[nit] / nɪt /

verb (used with object)

knitted, knit, knitting

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 bytogether ).

   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.

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verb (used without object)

knitted, knit, knitting

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.

knit British  

/ 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

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noun

1. 1. a fabric or garment made by knitting

   2. ( in combination )

      a heavy knit

Other Word Forms

• knittable adjective
• knitter noun
• preknit verb (used with object)preknit, preknitted, preknitting
• reknit verbreknit, reknitted, reknitting

Etymology

Origin of knit

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

Example Sentences

At Milan Fashion Week on Thursday, the Prada show opened with cozy knit sweaters and multi-coloured scarves, only for garments to be ripped open, exposed and distressed as the catwalk continued.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Mustaine says, rubbing a forefinger over his black knit cap that hides his leonine locks.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

She’s dedicated to keeping her community closely knit and protected.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

"A very deep profound tragedy here in the north Belfast area and especially for those in the Filipino community who are close knit."

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

The Incorrigible children were thrilled when they found out, for learn to knit was on the to-doawoo list, and now that Master Gogolev was gone, they had all the free time in the world.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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