basket-work

A woman carries a basket-work tray filled with fresh fruit.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Interwoven material: "basket-work" refers to objects, especially containers, made by weaving together flexible materials such as twigs, reeds, or strips of wood.
   • The craft of weaving: It can also denote the process or art of creating such woven items.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The artisan displayed beautiful basket-work at the craft fair. (Woven containers made from natural materials.)
  • She learned basket-work from her grandmother, who was an expert weaver. (The craft of weaving baskets.)

Advanced Usage

• "basket-work pattern": a design that resembles the interwoven structure of a basket.

  • The fabric had a basket-work pattern, giving it a rustic appearance. (A woven-like design in textile.)

• "basket-work furniture": furniture made using the same interweaving technique.

  • The patio set was made of basket-work, perfect for the garden. (Furniture woven from materials like wicker.)

Variants and Related Words

• Basket (n): a container made by weaving, often used for carrying or storing items.

  • She carried a basket of fruit to the picnic. (A woven container.)

• Basketmaker (n): a person who makes baskets.

  • The basketmaker used willow branches for her creations. (A craftsperson specializing in woven items.)

Synonyms

• Wickerwork: objects made by weaving thin, flexible branches or reeds.
• Weaving: the process of interlacing threads or strips to form fabric or objects.

Related Idioms

• "Put all one's eggs in one basket": to risk everything on a single venture.
  • He invested all his savings in one stock — a classic case of putting all his eggs in one basket. (Relying on a single, vulnerable resource.)

Note: "Basket-work" is a compound noun; its meaning is directly tied to the weaving of baskets. It does not have phrasal verbs or extensive idiomatic uses beyond those related to "basket."