sew

verb

ˈsō 

sewed; sewn ˈsōn  or sewed; sewing

transitive verb

1

: to unite or fasten by stitches

2

: to close or enclose by sewing

sew the money in a bag

intransitive verb

: to practice or engage in sewing

sewability

ˌsō-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

sewable

ˈsō-ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• darn
• stitch
• suture

Examples of sew in a Sentence

She sews her own dresses by hand.

He sewed a patch onto his sleeve.

I sewed the button back on the shirt.

The surgeon sewed the wound shut.

She designs her own dresses and sews in her free time.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her mother, Masha, was a seamstress who was forced to sew clothes for Adolf Hitler's army. —Natalie Morales, CBS News, 6 June 2024

Using a curved needle and a strong, nylon thread that matches the color of the fabric, gently sew the rip together. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2024

Each wig is sewn onto a breathable wig cap that has tiny combs that attach to your hair on the front and back of the unit. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 May 2024

For the next three years our ASG chapter chose to sew duffle bags for foster youth as our community service project. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sīwian; akin to Old High German siuwen to sew, Latin suere

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing sew

• sew up

Kids Definition

sew

verb

ˈsō 

sewed; sewn ˈsōn  or sewed; sewing

1

: to join or fasten by stitches

sew on a button

2

: to work with needle and thread