ENGLISH
REFERENCE

knitting

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˈnɪtɪŋ// UK //nˈɪtɪŋ// knit·ting Informal

n. the activity of making clothes or other items from wool or yarn using two long needles. You use your hands to pull loops of yarn through other loops to create a soft fabric.

n. the process or craft of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles. Refers both to the action itself and to the piece of work currently being produced.


SIMPLE

She enjoys knitting warm sweaters for her grandchildren during the winter.

CONTEXTUAL

He took his knitting on the train to pass the time during the long commute.

COMPLEX

While often viewed as a traditional domestic craft, knitting has seen a modern resurgence as a mindful activity that combines mathematical precision with tactile creativity.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English knyttynge; equivalent to knit + -ing.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the craft or activity; occasionally used as a gerund to describe the specific action.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference