What does interweave mean?
Interweave is a formal verb meaning to weave threads or strands through one another, creating a connected and often intricate pattern. It is also used figuratively for combining ideas, traditions, styles, or influences so that they form a richer whole. For example, a designer might interweave floral motifs with geometric borders, while a writer may interweave several storylines or interweave contemporary issues with historical themes. The word carries an image of careful craftsmanship and harmonious connection, suggesting that separate elements retain their identities while becoming structurally linked. It is especially useful when describing textiles, visual art, music, literature, and cultural traditions. Its literal sense is more specific than “mix” or “combine,” because the elements are imagined as being passed through or around one another rather than simply placed together.
verbTo weave two or more threads, strands, or elements through one another so that they form an intertwined pattern. It can also mean to combine different elements, ideas, or influences in an interwoven way.
- To weave threads, strands, or other elements through one another.
- To combine ideas, traditions, styles, or influences in an interconnected way.
"The designer interwove traditional motifs with bold geometric shapes."
"The basketmaker carefully interwove coloured reeds into a circular pattern."
"The novel interweaves the lives of three families across several generations."
From weaving literal threads to weaving together stories, music, and ideas, interweave describes the art of making separate elements become one intricate fabric.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interweave come from?
The word combines the prefix inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” with weave, meaning to form fabric by passing threads through one another. The prefix comes from Latin, while weave derives from Old English wefan. The combined form developed in the context of weaving and later came to be used figuratively for the intertwining of ideas, stories, styles, and other elements.
Related word forms
How interweave is actually used
Formal and literary in tone. It is especially common in descriptions of textiles, art, music, literature, and ideas, where it suggests a deliberate, intricate combination.
Easily confused with interweave
Both describe elements joined together, but interweave often suggests the physical or visual process of weaving strands through one another, while intertwine more broadly means to twist or connect things together.