Word
knitting
Phoneticsknit·ting, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɪtɪŋ/
UK/nˈɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01the activity
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. the hobby or work of making things like sweaters or scarves out of wool using needles.
n. the process or craft of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
“My grandmother taught me knitting when I was ten years old.”
“Knitting has seen a resurgence in popularity among younger generations as a mindful and creative hobby.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the activity in general.
Synonyms
02the item being made
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the piece of clothing or fabric that you are currently making.
n. the material or garment currently being produced through the act of knitting.
“She put her knitting down on the sofa to answer the door.”
“He carried his knitting in a small canvas bag so he could work on the sleeve during his commute.”
Usage
Can be used as a countable noun to refer to a specific project.
Synonyms
03railway wires
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun British English · Informal · Slang
n. the overhead electric wires that provide power to trains.
n. a slang term for overhead line equipment (OHLE) used in railway electrification.
“The train was delayed because of a problem with the knitting.”
“Engineers were called out overnight to repair a section of the knitting that had come down during the gale.”
Teaching tip
This is highly specific to British railway enthusiasts and staff; most people will simply say 'overhead wires'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English knyttynge; equivalent to knit + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/knitting