meshwork: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “meshwork” mean?
A network or structure made of interwoven threads, wires, or similar elements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A network or structure made of interwoven threads, wires, or similar elements.
Any complex, interconnected system or arrangement resembling a net.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British technical writing.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally higher in UK academic/technical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “meshwork” in a Sentence
[meshwork] of [material/structure]a [adjective] meshworkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meshwork” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. 'To mesh' is the related verb.]
American English
- [No standard verb form. 'To mesh' is the related verb.]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form.]
American English
- [No adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Meshed' or 'reticulate' are used.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Meshed' or 'reticulate' are used.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'a meshwork of global supply chains'.
Academic
Common in biology, anatomy, materials science, and geology to describe interconnected structures (e.g., 'the meshwork of collagen fibres').
Everyday
Very rare. 'Net' or 'web' is preferred.
Technical
Standard term in specific fields (e.g., 'trabecular meshwork' in ophthalmology, 'reticular meshwork' in histology).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meshwork”
- Using 'meshwork' for abstract social networks (use 'network').
- Confusing with 'mesh' (which is the material, not necessarily the structure).
- Misspelling as 'mashwork'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Meshwork' typically refers to a tangible, physical net-like structure (e.g., of fibres, vessels). 'Network' is broader and can be abstract (e.g., social network, computer network).
No. The related verb is 'to mesh', meaning to fit together or interlock.
In ophthalmology, the 'trabecular meshwork' is a crucial tissue that drains fluid from the eye.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. In everyday conversation, 'net', 'web', or 'network' are far more common.
A network or structure made of interwoven threads, wires, or similar elements.
Meshwork is usually technical/formal in register.
Meshwork: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʃwɜːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛʃwɜːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'meshwork']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MESH (like a net) + WORK (a structure) = a net-like structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY/INTERCONNECTION IS A NETWORK (e.g., 'a meshwork of relationships').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'meshwork' MOST appropriately used?