seam

noun

\ ˈsēm

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

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

at the seams

: entirely, completely falling apart at the seams

seam

verb

seamed; seaming; seams

Definition of seam (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to become fissured or ridgy

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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: Noun

With the crevice tool, go along the seams, around any buttons, and along the trim. — Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping, "How to Clean a Couch Like a Pro," 29 Mar. 2019 Meanwhile, Davis ran a short route to the right and Baldwin ran down the seam while to the left, Lockett cut over the middle and Moore weaved right then broke left and past Oakland cornerback Daryl Worley. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Seahawks Play of the Week: Bad snaps don’t always kill the play when you have Russell Wilson at QB," 16 Oct. 2018 Look along the mattress seams and zippers, under the mattress, and at each joint of the bed frame. — Meredith Carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel Room," 10 Sep. 2018 Kumarasamy’s characters have managed to piece their lives back together, but her preoccupation lies with the seams — and how these are continually tested by the small, private aftershocks of trauma. — Tania James, New York Times, "Debut Stories Trace the Aftershocks of the Sri Lankan Civil War," 5 July 2018 Cut your jacket about three inches below the seam, then fold up the sleeves for a cuffed look like Cara's. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "10 Genius Ways You Should Be Wearing Your Leather Jacket for Fall," 27 June 2018 With Isz, however, dedicated players were bumping into the seams holding Bloodborne together. — Patricia Hernandez, The Verge, "Bloodborne’s most hardcore players find new secrets three years after release," 20 June 2018 The Rainfoil is waterproof, seam sealed, and packs into its own pocket. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Rain Jackets for Keeping Dry," 8 Mar. 2019 Fill a tortilla with ⅛ of the bean mixture, roll up tortilla, and place seam facing down in baking dish. — Nazima Qureshi, SELF, "Here's How a Registered Dietitian Shops and Meal Preps on a Budget," 22 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Roll up the fillets and place them seam side down on a plate. — Gina Homolka And Heather K. Jones, Woman's Day, "Pesce Primavera," 19 Sep. 2018 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

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.