# weave

/ˈwiv/ (US) · /wˈiːv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/weave
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to make fabric

verb · CEFR B1

to make cloth or carpets by crossing threads over and under each other on a machine.

For teachers: to interlace strands of yarn or thread at right angles to form a fabric or garment.

- The local people weave beautiful rugs using wool from their own sheep.
- The artisans continue to weave traditional patterns on wooden looms, preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Usage: The past tense is 'wove' and the past participle is 'woven'.

### 2. to move in a zigzag

verb · CEFR B2

to move along by turning and twisting to avoid things in your way.

For teachers: to move in a winding or zigzag fashion, typically to navigate through obstacles or traffic.

- The cyclist had to weave through the heavy traffic to get to work on time.
- The taxi driver managed to weave expertly through the narrow backstreets, avoiding the gridlock on the main boulevard.

### 3. to create a story

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to put different pieces of information or ideas together to make a complex story.

For teachers: to combine various elements, such as plot points or themes, into a complex and unified whole.

- The author managed to weave several different mysteries into one exciting book.
- The novelist skillfully weaves historical facts with fictional characters to create a vivid portrait of nineteenth-century London.

Teaching tip: This sense is often used metaphorically in literary reviews and academic discussions about storytelling.

### 4. pattern of cloth

noun · CEFR B2

the particular way that threads are crossed in a piece of cloth.

For teachers: the specific pattern or method of interlacing threads in a fabric.

- The jacket has a very tight weave that makes it waterproof.
- The designer chose a loose, breathable weave for the summer collection to ensure maximum comfort in humid climates.

### 5. hair extension

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

artificial or real hair that is attached to a person's natural hair to make it look longer or thicker.

For teachers: a hairpiece or extensions integrated into a person's natural hair to alter its length, volume, or appearance.

- She decided to get a weave before the wedding to add some volume to her hair.
- The stylist spent several hours carefully applying the weave to ensure it blended seamlessly with the client's natural texture.

## Examples

- The blanket has a very tight weave.
- The designer chose a coarse weave for the summer collection to ensure the fabric remained breathable in the heat.
- The author's latest novel features a complex weave of historical facts and speculative fiction, creating a narrative that feels both grounded and imaginative.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.