weave

To make cloth or other objects by crossing threads or strips over and under each other.

• She learned to weave cloth.
• He wove a basket from thin branches.
• These rugs are woven by hand.

How to use it: weave something into something (They weave strips of grass into baskets.); weave something from something (She wove a mat from reeds.)

Common phrases: weave cloth, weave a basket, weave something into something

To move forward while repeatedly turning from side to side, often to pass around things.

• The car began to weave.
• He weaved through the crowd to reach the door.
• Cyclists were weaving between the stationary cars.

How to use it: weave through something (The cyclist weaved through the traffic.); weave between things (She weaved between the parked cars.); weave around something (We had to weave around the fallen branches.)

Similar words: zigzag, swerve

Common phrases: weave through traffic, weave between cars, weave around something

To create a story or explanation by carefully connecting different ideas or details.

• He can weave a wonderful tale.
• The novel weaves together the lives of three families.
• She wove a convincing story from a few facts.

How to use it: weave something into something (The author weaves local history into the plot.); weave something together (She wove several memories together into one story.)

Similar words: compose, craft, construct

Common phrases: weave a story, weave a tale, weave something into something

To make a web or a protective covering using thin threads produced by an animal.

• The spider began to weave a web.
• A silkworm wove its cocoon around itself.
• Fine threads were woven between the branches by a spider.

Similar words: spin

Common phrases: weave a web, weave a cocoon, weave silk threads

Real or artificial hair added to someone’s own hair to change its length, thickness, or appearance.

• She wears a long weave.
• The stylist added a weave to make her hair fuller.
• How often do you replace your weave?

Similar words: hair extensions

Common phrases: hair weave, wear a weave, get a weave

The way threads are crossed to make cloth, or the pattern this creates.

• The rug has a tight weave.
• A loose weave lets more air through the fabric.
• Different weaves give cotton very different textures.

Common phrases: tight weave, loose weave, plain weave