mesh

1 of 2

noun

1
: one of the openings between the threads or cords of a net
also : one of the similar spaces in a network
often used to designate screen size as the number of openings per linear inch
2
a
: the fabric of a net
b
: a woven, knit, or knotted material of open texture with evenly spaced holes
c
: an arrangement of interlocking metal links used especially for jewelry
3
a
: a weblike pattern or construction
b
: web, snare
usually used in plural
4
: working contact (as of the teeth of gears)
in mesh
meshed adjective

mesh

2 of 2

verb

meshed; meshing; meshes

transitive verb

1
b
: to catch in the openings of a net
2
: to cause to resemble network
3
a
: to cause (parts, such as gears) to engage
b
: to coordinate closely : interlock

intransitive verb

1
: to become entangled in or as if in meshes
2
: to be in or come into mesh
used especially of gears
3
: to fit or work together properly

Examples of mesh in a Sentence

Noun We covered the blueberry bushes in nylon mesh to keep the birds from the fruit. a routine request that got hung up in the meshes of the state bureaucracy Verb They meshed traditions from several cultures into one wedding ceremony. The book tries to mesh philosophy and humor. The two plans mesh well. The gears weren't meshing properly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The capsule collection includes four dresses and three trousers knit brown, black and white mesh polka dot, burgundy mesh, and gray plaid with the Ganni butterfly motif charm. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024 These mesh undies are soft, flexible, breathable, and don’t dig in. Ashleigh Morley, Parents, 11 Apr. 2024 Two front pockets and a key leash keep important items within reach, and the main compartment has several pockets, including slip, zipper, and mesh sections. L.a. Hubilla, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024 No matter the occasion, these flowy dresses all look great with minimalist jewelry and spring’s trendiest shoes, including slingback heels and mesh ballet flats. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024 Features of the tent include a skylight, mesh side windows, and lots of internal storage compartments. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024 Then, there are Mango’s mesh Mary Janes, which look great with everything from a plain white tee to a must-have denim midiskirt. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024 The owl lived there for nearly 12 years until someone cut the steel mesh of his exhibit in February 2023. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024 Materials such as ballistic nylon, mesh, and various rubber all will contribute to movement, breathability, and longevity. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024
Verb
The bag has many similar features to the Lululemon belt bags, including nylon, weather-resistant fabric; an 8 x 2 x 5.5-inch size, a zippered back pocket, and mesh inner pockets to keep your items organized. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 Now that Conley has had a full year, including training camp, to mesh with Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid and the rest of the roster, the work-in-progress offense has performed closer to its potential. Dave Campbell, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2024 The complex, Anderson said, is designed to mesh with the other amenities of The Trailhead. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 The multiplayer factors in with some abilities meshing well with other. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 For example, the exterior sports tons of wood shingles that mesh well with the rural area. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 The nurse's habit meshed with studies by Mars that showed half of chewers reached for gum to relieve stress or boost concentration. By dee-Ann Durbin, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 The nurse’s habit meshed with studies by Mars that showed half of chewers reached for gum to relieve stress or boost concentration. Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Its fantastical re-creations of Victorian London, Lisbon, Alexandria and Paris meshed with the progression of lead character Bella Baxter’s journey, informing and delighting each step of the way. Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mesh.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch maesche; akin to Old High German masca mesh, Lithuanian mazgos knot

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesh was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mesh

Cite this Entry

“Mesh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesh. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

mesh

1 of 2 noun
1
: one of the spaces formed by the threads of a net or the wires of a sieve or screen
2
a
: a loosely woven fabric with evenly spaced holes
3
: an arrangement of elements that are linked together : network
4
: the coming or fitting together of the teeth of two gears
meshed adjective

mesh

2 of 2 verb
1
: to catch in or as if in a mesh : entangle
2
: to fit together : interlock
mesh gears

Medical Definition

mesh

noun
: a flexible netting of fine wire used in surgery especially in the repair of large hernias and other body defects

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