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 of sew

• 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

Listening to music rushes her work because she is tempted to sculpt or sew or cook to the beat. —Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

For a more permanent solution, Wang recommends sewing the edges of the sheets together and leaving an opening to stuff the bed with fabric scraps or old clothes. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026

But some Hickory residents say Rae’s hiring has sewn further distrust in the community about animal shelter leadership. —Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026

For her something blue, Burton sewed a blue ribbon into the interior of the dress, and for her something new, Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, gifted her a pair of Robinson Pelham diamond earrings. —Christina Perrier, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for sew

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

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