seam

1 of 2

noun

ˈsēm 

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

ˈsēm-ˌlīk 

adjective

see also at the seams

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

Synonyms of seam

Verb

• file
• scratch
• groove
• scribe

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

The pants included a front seam with a mild wide-leg fit. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Dec. 2025

Hand-sewn from the skin of the peccary—a pig-like mammal native to Central and South America—its refined details include three-point stitching at the back of the hand, cashmere lining, and pick stitch detailing along each seam. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2025

Verb

It’s designed with an oversized hood, seam detailing along the shoulders, and thumbholes to keep your hands warm. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

The top is seamed at the sides to accentuate the rounded shape, which dips lower in back. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing seam

• coal seam
• French seam

Rhymes for seam

• beam
• bream
• cream
• creme
• deem
• dream
• gleam
• meme
• ream
• scheme
• scream
• seem

Kids Definition

seam

1 of 2 noun

ˈsēm 

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