What does interwoven mean?
Interwoven describes things woven together, whether the reference is literal or figurative. Physical strands, wires, ropes, or pieces of fabric may be interwoven into a stable structure. More commonly, the word describes ideas, themes, histories, or systems that have been deliberately combined into a complex and unified whole. An interwoven story, for example, brings separate characters or events into close relation rather than presenting them independently. The word often suggests intricacy and careful construction, giving it a literary or analytical tone. As the past tense and past participle of “interweave,” it also expresses a completed action: someone has physically woven strands together or integrated distinct elements. It is useful when describing connections that are more substantial than a simple mixture, because the imagery of weaving conveys both unity and the persistence of the individual strands within the finished whole.
Woven together; closely combined so as to form a complex, unified whole.
"The artist's installation consists of interwoven strips of coloured cloth."
Common in both literal and figurative contexts; figurative uses often have a literary or analytical register.
Past tense and past participle of “interweave,” especially in figurative combinations of ideas, themes, or elements.
"The novel's two timelines have been interwoven to explore the characters' changing lives."
Normally used with a subject and auxiliary or as a participle modifying a noun.
What begins as separate threads can become a single fabric—and that is the secret behind “interwoven.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interwoven come from?
“Interwoven” is the past tense and past participle of “interweave,” formed from the prefix “inter-” and the English verb “weave.” The prefix means “between” or “among,” while “weave” has Germanic roots and is related to “web.” The resulting form has long been used figuratively for the close combination of strands, ideas, or narratives.
Related word forms
How interwoven is actually used
The word is somewhat literary and often conveys complexity, unity, or close interdependence. It is less common in casual speech than “mixed together” or “combined.”
Easily confused with interwoven
Both can describe things joined together, but “interwoven” often suggests a complex, deliberate combination, while “intertwined” more commonly describes things twisted or closely connected.