meshed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Descriptive, Semi-Formal
Quick answer
What does “meshed” mean?
Fitted together or interlocked like the links of a net.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Fitted together or interlocked like the links of a net.
Joined or integrated in a smooth, cooperative way, forming a connected network or system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling 'meshed' is standard in both. 'Engaged' or 'in sync' might be more common in AmE metaphorical use.
Connotations
Both share connotations of precision and connectivity. In technical contexts, it's neutral; in social contexts, slightly positive.
Frequency
More frequent in technical/engineering writing. Similar frequency in both dialects for metaphorical use.
Grammar
How to Use “meshed” in a Sentence
Something meshes with something else.Things mesh (together).Be/get/become meshed.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meshed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gears meshed with a satisfying clunk.
- Our schedules didn't mesh, so we postponed.
American English
- The team's strategies meshed perfectly by halftime.
- Make sure the cogs are fully meshed before starting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the integration of departments, systems, or strategies (e.g., 'The two departments finally meshed their workflows').
Academic
Used in sociology for social networks or in engineering for mechanical systems.
Everyday
Describes people getting along well or things fitting together (e.g., 'Our holiday plans meshed nicely').
Technical
Precise interlocking of gear teeth or network nodes in a mesh topology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meshed”
- Using 'meshed' for people simply agreeing (too strong).
- Saying 'meshed together' redundantly (though common).
- Misspelling as 'mashed'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its core meaning is physical interlocking (like gears), it is very commonly used metaphorically for plans, ideas, personalities, or organizations fitting together well.
'Meshed' is generally neutral or positive, suggesting good fit. 'Enmeshed' often has a negative connotation, implying being trapped or entangled in a complicated or difficult situation (e.g., 'enmeshed in bureaucracy').
Yes. As a participial adjective, it describes something that is interconnected, like a 'meshed network' or a 'finely-meshed sieve'.
Yes. The base noun is 'mesh', referring to material made of a network of wire or thread. The state or result of meshing is also 'mesh' (e.g., 'the mesh of their ideas').
Fitted together or interlocked like the links of a net.
Meshed is usually technical, descriptive, semi-formal in register.
Meshed: in British English it is pronounced /mɛʃt/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɛʃt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[They] meshed like clockwork.”
- “Their ideas meshed perfectly.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MESH fence: the wires are MESHed together to form one strong structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
COOPERATION / INTEGRATION IS PHYSICAL INTERLOCKING.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'meshed teams' most likely means: