sew

verb

ˈsō 

sewed; sewn ˈsōn  or sewed; sewing

transitive verb

1

: to unite or fasten by stitches

2

: to close or enclose by sewing

sew the money in a bag

intransitive verb

: to practice or engage in sewing

sewability

ˌsō-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

sewable

ˈsō-ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• darn
• stitch
• suture

Examples of sew in a Sentence

She sews her own dresses by hand.

He sewed a patch onto his sleeve.

I sewed the button back on the shirt.

The surgeon sewed the wound shut.

She designs her own dresses and sews in her free time.

Recent Examples on the Web

Momotaro Jeans is introducing new fabric developments that build on its tradition for dyeing, weaving, and sewing craftsmanship. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 July 2024

All the pant fabrics come from Japanese mills, and everything is cut and sewn in Los Angeles. —Deborah Belgum, WWD, 11 July 2024

Gilbert Flores/Getty Images Hirata explains that customers continue to be drawn to skorts that appear to be regular skirts but come with shorts sewn in. —Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 10 July 2024

Hair was being doused in Zara Hair Wet Look Mousse, then loosely braided and sewn into place for tousled plaits. —Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sīwian; akin to Old High German siuwen to sew, Latin suere

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing sew

• sew up

Kids Definition

sew

verb

ˈsō 

sewed; sewn ˈsōn  or sewed; sewing

1

: to join or fasten by stitches

sew on a button

2

: to work with needle and thread