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
Daniels sent a beauty up the seams to second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey, who dove for the 50-yard catch with cornerback Donte Jackson draped around his neck. Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 The outer is covered in on-trend dark brown faux suede accented with a seam of faux leather stitching for a modern look. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
This bootcut pair fits the bill, thanks to exposed seaming down each leg. Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 Dealers are to inspect and seal the body seams as well as inspect the body control module for corrosion and replace it, if necessary. James Powel, USA Today, 2 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 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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