Definition of seam
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : 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
3a : 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
4 : a weak or vulnerable area or gap
found a seam in the zone defense
at the seams
: entirely, completely falling apart at the seams
seam
verbseamed; seaming; seams
Definition of seam (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : 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
: to become fissured or ridgy
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizSpell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quizSCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share seam
Time Traveler for seam
The first known use of seam was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century