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

[+]more[-]hide

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