What does netting mean?
Netting is a mesh made from interwoven cord, thread, wire, or similar material. It is used for many practical purposes: enclosing crops, protecting objects or people from insects, supporting plants, forming barriers, and catching animals or fish. The word can also name the act of using a net, as in the phrase "the netting of the cod." As a verb, "netting" refers either to catching something in a net or to covering or securing something with mesh. The term is common in both British and American English and has a largely neutral, practical tone. Although a net may metaphorically be described as a trap, "netting" itself normally refers to the material or the physical process rather than suggesting deception. It is especially frequent in established combinations such as "protective netting," "safety netting," and "mosquito netting."
Material formed into a mesh, especially for covering, enclosing, supporting, or catching things.
"The scaffolding had safety netting underneath it."
Usually uncountable when referring to the material; plural forms are uncommon.
Catching something with a net, or covering or fastening something with netting.
"The team spent the afternoon netting fish from the river."
The present participle form is especially common in the sense of catching animals, fish, or insects.
Netting is normally an uncountable noun; "nettings" is uncommon and may refer to separate pieces or instances of netting.
"The technicians replaced the damaged nettings around the court."
From fishing to flower arranging, a simple mesh can transform ordinary objects into a working system.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does netting come from?
Netting developed from the English word "net," whose forms are attested from Old English and belong to a Germanic vocabulary of mesh and woven material. The verbal use arose from the action of using a net, while the noun developed by the addition of the suffix "-ing." The related word "network" preserves the same root in the sense of an interconnected arrangement, and "net" itself has close cognates in languages such as Dutch and German.
Related word forms
How netting is actually used
As a noun, netting is common in British, American, and Australian English and is often treated as an uncountable material noun. As a verb, it is the present participle of "net" and is especially associated with catching animals, fish, insects, or people.
Easily confused with netting
This entry concerns the material and the action of using a net, not the related system of interconnected people or things called a network.