What does twine mean?
Twine is a lightweight cord or string made by twisting together several strands of fiber. As a noun, it commonly refers to strong thread used for tying parcels, securing bales, making nets, or performing other practical tasks. As a verb, twine means to twist strands together, interlace them, or wind something around another object in a spiral. These verbal uses often have a more deliberate or literary quality than the plainer alternatives twist, tie, and wrap. The distinction between twine and thread is chiefly one of thickness and construction: twine is generally coarser and made from multiple twisted strands, whereas thread may be finer and can consist of a single filament. Etymologically, twine belongs to the same Germanic family as twin and several continental words associated with thread or doubling, reflecting an ancient connection with “two.” The word is useful both as a precise noun for a familiar material and as a vivid verb describing twisting, binding, and enveloping motion.
A thin cord or string made by twisting together several strands of fiber, used for tying, binding, or making objects.
"The farmer used baling twine to secure the bundles."
To twist or interlace strands together, or to wind something around another object by turning it.
"They twined the ivy around the wooden posts."
The verb is especially common in descriptions of plants, ropes, and decorative forms, and can sound formal or literary in comparison with twist and wrap.
Twine is normally used as an uncountable mass noun; the plural is used when referring to separate lengths or varieties.
"The shop sells several coloured twines for gift wrapping."
Twine comes from the same ancient root as twin, a neat reminder that even a simple cord begins with the idea of doubling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does twine come from?
The word descends from Middle English twinen, continued from Old English twīnan, meaning “to twist or unite,” and is related to Dutch twijn, German Zwirn, and Old Norse tvinn. These forms belong to a Germanic word family associated with a root meaning “two” or “double,” also reflected in English twin. The noun twine developed for cord or thread made by twisting strands together.
Related word forms
How twine is actually used
As a noun, twine is normally an uncountable mass noun, although “twines” can refer to separate lengths or varieties. As a verb, it often sounds more deliberate or literary than the everyday alternatives “twist,” “tie,” and “wrap.”
Easily confused with twine
Twine means to twist or wind strands together, whereas a twirl is a quick spinning or rotating motion.