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

Explanation

Use the word mesh for fabric made of loosely woven fibers. A butterfly net is made of mesh, and so is a window screen. Some mesh is made from string or fabric, like a fishing net or a mesh sports jersey, while other mesh is metal or plastic, like a tea strainer. In either case, it's woven loosely enough that there are small holes throughout its surface. Another meaning of mesh is "harmonize" or "work well together." In the fourteenth century, it was spelled mesche, and it meant "open space in a net," from the Old English word for net, max.

Example Sentences

Mesh material and plastic sheets which were found on the outside of the buildings are not believed to be fireproof, while polystyrene was also found on the buildings' windows.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2025

The BBC has separately approached more than 40 former mesh patients of Dr Dixon via the Rectopexy Mesh Victims and Support group.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

Mesh clothing demands the preparation of finding the right underwear or bra—a mandate surely appreciated by sheer-clothing retailers that also sell undergarments—which makes it into an event.

From Slate • Dec. 14, 2024

Mesh pockets on the outside provide even more room for miscellaneous items, and it comes in a variety of stylish colorways and patterns.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2023

Mesh by mesh, like an enthralling net, all the different threads of convicting circumstances were drawn about the accused man.

From Thoroughbreds by Fraser, William Alexander

Related Words

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