weaver: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, technical (craft), common as a surname
Quick answer
What does “weaver” mean?
A person who weaves cloth or other fabric by interlacing threads on a loom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who weaves cloth or other fabric by interlacing threads on a loom.
1. A person skilled in the craft of weaving. 2. A craftsperson specializing in the creation of textiles. 3. By metaphorical extension, someone who creates or constructs something complex by combining different elements (e.g., 'a weaver of tales'). 4. A common surname. 5. A type of bird (weaverbird) known for constructing intricate nests.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally understood in both dialects. The surname is equally common.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word evokes traditional craftsmanship, history, and skilled manual labour. May be associated with historical periods (e.g., medieval guilds, the Industrial Revolution).
Frequency
Low frequency in modern general discourse, except when discussing textiles, history, or as a surname. Similar frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “weaver” in a Sentence
[Noun] weaver of [Material/Product] (e.g., a weaver of silk)[Adjective] weaver (e.g., a master weaver)Weaver + Verb (e.g., The weaver worked at the loom.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weaver” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'To weave' is the verb; 'weaver' is not used as a verb.
American English
- 'To weave' is the verb; 'weaver' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form from 'weaver'.
American English
- No adverb form from 'weaver'.
adjective
British English
- 'Weaver' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use 'weaving' (e.g., weaving loom).
American English
- 'Weaver' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use 'weaving' (e.g., weaving industry).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the textile industry or branding for artisanal goods.
Academic
Common in historical, anthropological, and art history texts discussing pre-industrial economies and crafts.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation unless referring to the surname, a hobbyist, or a historical context.
Technical
Standard term in textiles, crafts, and ornithology (for weaverbirds).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weaver”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weaver”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weaver”
- Misspelling as 'weever' (a type of fish).
- Confusing 'weaver' (noun) with 'weaver' as a verb form (which doesn't exist; the verb is 'to weave').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. However, in ornithology, 'weaver' refers to weaverbirds, and it is also a very common surname.
A weaver creates fabric by interlacing two distinct sets of threads (warp and weft) on a loom. A knitter creates fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe someone who creates complex, interlinked narratives or ideas, e.g., 'a weaver of lies,' 'a weaver of dreams.'
While industrial weaving is automated, the term remains current for artisans, hobbyists, and in historical contexts. Professional hand-weavers exist but are niche compared to the past.
A person who weaves cloth or other fabric by interlacing threads on a loom.
Weaver is usually formal, historical, technical (craft), common as a surname in register.
Weaver: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwiːvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwiːvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Weaver of dreams”
- “To be caught in the weaver's web”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WEAVER WEAving VEry well on their looVE(R).
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION IS WEAVING (e.g., 'weave a story', 'the fabric of society'). A weaver is thus a creator.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is the primary meaning of 'weaver'?