mesh

American  

[mesh] / mɛʃ /

noun

1. any knit, woven, or knotted fabric of open texture.

2. an interwoven or intertwined structure; network.

   Synonyms:

   grid, screen, grill, netting, web

3. any arrangement of interlocking metal links or wires with evenly spaced, uniform small openings between, as used in jewelry or sieves.

4. one of the open spaces between the cords or ropes of a net.

5. meshes,

   1. the threads that bind such spaces.

   2. the means of catching or holding fast.

      to be caught in the meshes of the law.

6. Machinery. the engagement of gear teeth.

7. Electricity. a set of branches that forms a closed path in a network so that removal of a branch results in an open path.

8. Metallurgy. a designation of a given fineness of powder used in powder metallurgy in terms of the number of the finest screen through which almost all the particles will pass.

   This powder is 200 mesh.

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verb (used with object)

1. to catch or entangle in or as if in a net; enmesh.

2. to form with meshes, as a net.

3. Machinery. to engage, as gear teeth.

4. to cause to match, coordinate, or interlock.

   They tried to mesh their vacation plans.

verb (used without object)

1. to become enmeshed.

2. Machinery. to become or be engaged, as the teeth of one gear with those of another.

3. to match, coordinate, or interlock.

   The two versions of the story don't mesh.

mesh British  

/ mɛʃ /

noun

1. a network; net

2. an open space between the strands of a network

3. (often plural) the strands surrounding these spaces

4. anything that ensnares, or holds like a net

   the mesh of the secret police

5. the engagement of teeth on interacting gearwheels

   the gears are in mesh

6. a measure of spacing of the strands of a mesh or grid, expressed as the distance between strands for coarse meshes or a number of strands per unit length for fine meshes

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verb

1. to entangle or become entangled

2. (of gear teeth) to engage or cause to engage

3. to coordinate (with)

   to mesh with a policy

4. to work or cause to work in harmony

Other Word Forms

• intermesh verb (used without object)
• meshy adjective
• mismesh verb
• unmesh verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of mesh

1375–1425; late Middle English mesch, apparently continuing Old English masc, max; akin to Old High German māsca, Middle Dutch maesche

Example Sentences

People published photos from their outdoor California ceremony, in which Steinfeld wore a white strapless gown, mesh gloves and her veil and Allen wore a traditional tuxedo.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

On the recent visit to the insectary, several hundred mosquitoes flew around in white mesh cages, serving as participants in a study to see which blood they prefer — pig or cow.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

They are wrapped on all sides in silvery wire mesh of decidedly industrial character.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The new wing was designed by Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas with Cooper Robertson, and has the geometric look of angular mesh enveloping an open stair case, elevator shafts and display spaces.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Steel mesh and unbreakable glass separate the front seat from the back.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• coincide
• combine
• coordinate
• dovetail
• fit
• harmonize
• knit