seam

noun \ ˈsēm \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Definition of seam

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

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seamlike

play \ˈsēm-ˌlīk\ adjective

— at the seams

: entirely, completely

falling apart at the seams

See seam defined for English-language learners

See seam defined for kids

Examples of seam in a Sentence

the seams of a dress
the seams of a boat
a rich seam of iron ore

Recent Examples of seam from the Web

The position has its share of agile, seam-busting receivers and more traditional dual-threat blockers and pass-catchers.

— paul myerberg, USA TODAY, "The 10 best tight ends in college football," 13 July 2018
After Tuesday's game, Stassi showed off his bruised forearm to reporters inside the clubhouse — complete with clear, red imprints of the baseball's seam.

— chandler rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros confident catcher Max Stassi won't miss significant time," 4 July 2018
And while non-white trim is allowed, that pop of color has to be on the neckline, sleeve cuff or outside seam of a pant, skirt, or shorts leg — and can only be under a centimeter wide.

— raisa bruner, Time, "Why Wimbledon Players Have to Wear All White," 2 July 2018
Penhall has since finished the seam-filling work, installing a rubbery waterproofing substance that extends the life of the road.

— john sowell, idahostatesman, "Contractor herding traffic near fiery I-84 crash had safety plan. Here's what it said," 29 June 2018
But Shredly’s version uses flatlock seams; the TaisM. does not, which is my only nitpick.

— kelly bastone, Outside Online, "Europeans Know How to Make Women's Mountain Bike Shorts," 29 June 2018
Use your fingers to pinch and seal the lid, working your way around so there is no visible seam.

— bonnie s. benwick, charlotteobserver, "Spicy, smoky, cheesy, melty burgers — on the inside," 19 June 2018
Image Any ideology operating under the seismic pressures of the actual world will reveal a seam of inconsistency, a line of vulnerability running through it like a stress fracture.

— jennifer szalai, New York Times, "A Community Cracked Open by Fracking," 13 June 2018
Go for comfort first with a pair of Commando’s seam-free panties.

— marina liao, Marie Claire, "The Best Underwear for Every Occasion," 12 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'seam.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of seam

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Handicraft Terms

biscuit, darn, tambour, wrought

seam

verb

Definition of seam

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

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seamer

noun

Examples of seam in a Sentence

in fencing circles it is a mark of honor to have one's face seamed with saber cuts

Recent Examples of seam from the Web

Wore seamed stockings hooked to a suspender belt, tight pencil skirts and soft, brightly colored cashmere sweaters.

— shirley manson, New York Times, "Shirley Manson: The First Time I Cut Myself," 3 July 2018
Roll dough into a ball and place seam side down on a lightly ﬂoured work surface.

— Bon Appetit, "Ramadan Date Cookies," 21 May 2018
My goal was to achieve this within one year...seamed reasonable to me!

— leada gore, AL.com, "How to get free McDonald's fries today," 20 Apr. 2018
Wrap log around can, seam side down, gently pulling from center of log to stretch around.

— woman's day kitchen, Woman's Day, "King Cake," 12 Jan. 2018
Place rollups seam side down in an 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish.

— atlanta life, ajc, "7 Day Menu Planner," 3 Nov. 2017
Many of the newest iterations are seamed to accentuate the body, providing a womanly shapeliness in place of utilitarian boxiness.

— alev aktar, WSJ, "Is a $5,930 Puffer Coat Sexier Than a $200 One?," 28 Sep. 2017
The north Siberian peninsula, whose yellowish soil is seamed with gold and copper and a range of precious earths, was populated once by the Gulag of the Stalin years.

— WSJ, "Five Best: Catherine Merridale," 4 Aug. 2017
Over the course of the class, participants learn to cast on, the knit and purl stitches, how to bind off and seam up a cowl.

— Lake County News-Sun, "Calendar," 18 Sep. 2017

First Known Use of seam

1582

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

seam Synonyms

Synonyms

groove, score, scribe;

bevel, chamfer, flute;

SEAM Defined for English Language Learners

seam

noun

Definition of seam for English Language Learners

: a line where two pieces of cloth or other material are sewn together
: a line where two pieces of wood, metal, dough, etc., are joined together
: a layer of coal, rock, etc., that is between two other layers of rock underground