weaver

Weaver is a term with several related meanings. In textile production, a weaver is a craftsman or artisan who interlaces threads to produce fabric, typically on a loom. Weaving is among the oldest textile processes and has been practiced in many cultures. Workers may spin fibers into yarn and set up looms such as handlooms or power looms. Weavers can specialize in fabrics, patterns, or regional styles, and traditional weaving skills are often passed down through communities.

Weavers also refer to several birds, especially in the family Ploceidae, commonly called weaverbirds. These birds are known for constructing elaborate, flexible nests woven from grasses and plant fibers, often in large colonies. Nest design and construction can influence mating displays and reproductive success. Weavers are found in Africa, southern Asia, and Australasia, with various species exhibiting diverse colors and behaviors.

Weaver ants are another group associated with the term through their nesting behavior. Some species in the genus Oecophylla are renowned for building living nests by stitching together leaves using silk produced by larvae, a process that gives them their common name in many regions.

Etymology: the word "weaver" comes from Old English wefan, to weave, reflecting its origin as an agent noun for someone who weaves. The term has broadened in usage to cover both human craftspeople and certain animals noted for their weaving-inspired building activities.