webbing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “webbing” mean?
A strong, woven material in narrow strips, often used for belts, straps, or supporting structures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, woven material in narrow strips, often used for belts, straps, or supporting structures.
1. The network of fine, silken threads spun by spiders or some insect larvae. 2. The skin between the toes of aquatic birds or amphibians. 3. A system or structure that resembles a web in connecting or supporting elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. The material sense is dominant.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, primarily found in technical, outdoor, or military contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “webbing” in a Sentence
[made of/from] webbing[strap/belt] of webbingwebbing [between/on]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “webbing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chair's seat needs re-webbing.
- They are webbing the old frame with new nylon.
American English
- The seat needs to be re-webbed.
- He webbed the harness himself for the project.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rare as pure adjective] The webbing material proved durable.
- A webbing strap held it fast.
American English
- [Rare as pure adjective] The webbing belt was adjustable.
- Check the webbing attachment points.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in manufacturing/supply contexts for outdoor gear or safety equipment.
Academic
Used in biology (zoology) for spider silk structures or animal anatomy (e.g., duck's foot).
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be encountered when discussing hiking gear, seatbelts, or old furniture.
Technical
Common in engineering, textiles, military gear, outdoor equipment, and ergonomics for load-bearing straps.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “webbing”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “webbing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “webbing”
- Using 'webbing' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a webbing'). It's generally uncountable. Confusing 'webbing' (material) with 'web' (network or spider's creation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'web' is the full structure (like a spider's web or the World Wide Web). 'Webbing' refers to the material strips that might form part of a structure (like straps) or, in biology, the connective tissue itself.
It is typically an uncountable noun. You would not say 'webbings'. For multiple types, you might say 'different types of webbing'.
It is a low-frequency, specialist word. Most people know it from contexts like seatbelts, military gear, or spider webs, but it is not used daily.
To 'web' (as in, to provide with or connect by a web) is the related verb, but it's not common. In crafts/restoration, 'to re-web' a chair means to fit it with new webbing material.
A strong, woven material in narrow strips, often used for belts, straps, or supporting structures.
Webbing is usually technical/neutral in register.
Webbing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɛbɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɛbɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'webbing' as a noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a spider's WEB + ING (the material it's made of) -> strong, interconnected threads forming a strip.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERCONNECTION AS A WEB ('The digital webbing of social media'); SUPPORT AS A NET ('A webbing of safety regulations').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'webbing' LEAST likely to be used?