seam

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing usually near the edge
b
: the stitching used in such a joining
2
: the space between adjacent planks or strakes of a ship
3
a
: a line, groove, or ridge formed by the abutment of edges
b
: a thin layer or stratum (as of rock) between distinctive layers
also : a bed of valuable mineral and especially coal irrespective of thickness
c
: a line left by a cut or wound
also : wrinkle
4
: a weak or vulnerable area or gap
found a seam in the zone defense
seamlike adjective

seam

2 of 2

verb

seamed; seaming; seams

transitive verb

1
a
: to join by sewing
b
: to join as if by sewing (as by welding, riveting, or heat-sealing)
2
: to mark with lines suggesting seams

intransitive verb

: to become fissured or ridgy
seamer noun
Phrases
at the seams
: entirely, completely
falling apart at the seams

Examples of seam in a Sentence

Noun the seams of a dress the seams of a boat a rich seam of iron ore Verb in fencing circles it is a mark of honor to have one's face seamed with saber cuts
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The police can’t and won’t help, since there are no suspicious circumstances, and, in the richest seam that Ambrosioni explores, Jeanne looks for explanations, reflecting on their difficult family life and Suzanne’s bereavement, her husband having died some years before. Damon Wise, Deadline, 10 July 2025 Signs ‘Fawning’ Is Harming Your Career Or Relationships Dubose suggests that the helping, medical and mental health professions are bulging at the seams with fawners. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
Heat the tape with a seaming iron to activate the adhesive and bind the seams together. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2024 Since 2015 on a ground once known to suit seam bowling, batting has become easier and easier, an average of 26.81 per wicket on the first day swelling to 40.06 on day five. Paul Newman, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for seam

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English seem, from Old English sēam; akin to Old English sīwian to sew — more at sew

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of seam was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Seam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seam. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

seam

1 of 2 noun
1
: the fold, line, or groove made by sewing together or joining two edges or two pieces
the seams of a dress
the seams of a boat
2
a
: a raised or sunken line : groove, furrow, wrinkle
b
: a layer (as of rock) between clearly different layers
coal seams
seamless
-ləs
adjective

seam

2 of 2 verb
1
: to join with a seam
2
: to mark with a line, scar, or wrinkle
creeks seam the valley
a face seamed with age

More from Merriam-Webster on seam

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