hem

¹hem

noun \ˈhem\

Definition of HEM

1

: a border of a cloth article doubled back and stitched down

2

: rim, margin <bright green hem of reeds about the ponds — R. M. Lockley>

Examples of HEM

1. shorten the hem of the dress
2. <the hem of the blouse was gold>

Origin of HEM

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Middle High German hemmen to hem in, Armenian kamel to press

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HEM

Synonyms

borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, border, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge

Related Words

ambit; brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip; ceiling, maximum; demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination; borderland, frontier, march, outskirts, pale, selvage; lap; shore

Near Antonyms

center, core, heart; inner, inside, interior, middle, within

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with HEM

em, femme, gem, LEM, m, mem, phlegm, REM, Shem, stem, them

²hem

verb

hemmedhem·ming

Definition of HEM

transitive verb

1

a : to finish with a hem

b : border, edge

2

: to surround in a restrictive manner : confine —usually used with in <hemmed in by enemy troops>

intransitive verb

: to make a hem in sewing

— hem·mer noun

First Known Use of HEM

14th century

³hem

intransitive verb \ˈhem\

hemmedhem·ming

Definition of HEM

1

: to utter the sound represented by hem <hemmed and hawed before answering>

2

: equivocate <the administration hemmed and hawed over the students' demands>

First Known Use of HEM

15th century

⁴hem

interjection \usually read as ˈhem\

Definition of HEM

—often used to indicate a vocalized pause in speaking

Origin of HEM

imitative