stitch

1 of 2

noun

ˈstich 

1

: a local sharp and sudden pain especially in the side

2

a

: one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in sewing, embroidering, or suturing

b

: a portion of thread left in the material or suture left in the tissue after one stitch

3

: a least bit especially of clothing

didn't have a stitch on

4

: a single loop of thread or yarn around an implement (such as a knitting needle or crochet hook)

5

: a stitch or series of stitches formed in a particular way

a basting stitch

see also:

in stitches

stitch

2 of 2

verb

stitched; stitching; stitches

transitive verb

1

a

: to fasten, join, or close with or as if with stitches

stitched a seam

b

: to make, mend, or decorate with or as if with stitches

2

: to unite by means of staples

intransitive verb

: sew

stitcher noun

Synonyms of stitch

Noun

• ache
• pain
• pang
• tingle
• sting
• shoot

Verb

• suture
• sew
• repair

Examples of stitch in a Sentence

Noun

the stitches on a baseball

She pulled out the stitches.

His cut required six stitches.

She gets her stitches removed tomorrow.

The book teaches a variety of stitches.

a scarf worked in knit stitch

Verb

He stitched a patch onto his coat.

Her initials were stitched on the pillowcase.

He stitched a design along the border of the tablecloth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The same sources revealed that Kilcoyne required stitches in his hands. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 4 Apr. 2026

Doctors at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood gave Varren 21 stitches to close the gap. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

Verb

McClanahan will honor his father, James, who passed away in January, with his JWM initials stitched into his glove. —Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026

Big Chief Demond and his wife Alicia, meticulous as surgeons, sew beads the size of chia seeds on a canvas and stitch rhinestones in place with dental floss — painting with beads — making artwork for his suit. —Nichole Marks, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stiche, from Old English stice; akin to Old English stician to stick

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing stitch

• a stitch in time (saves nine)
• blanket stitch
• buttonhole stitch
• chain stitch
• cross-stitch
• drop a stitch
• flame stitch
• knit stitch
• not have a stitch on
• not wearing a stitch (of clothes/clothing)
• overcast stitch
• purl stitch
• running stitch
• satin stitch
• slip stitch
• stitch together
• stitch up
• tent stitch

Rhymes for stitch

• bitch
• ditch
• fiche
• glitch
• hitch
• ich
• itch
• kitsch
• lich
• mitch
• niche
• pitch

Kids Definition

stitch

1 of 2 noun

ˈstich 

1

: a sudden sharp pain especially in the side

2

a

: one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in sewing or embroidering

b

: a portion of thread left in the material after one stitch

3

: a single loop of thread or yarn around a tool (as a knitting needle)

4

: a series of stitches formed in a particular way

stitch

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to join with or as if with stitches

stitched a seam

b

: to make, mend, or decorate with or as if with stitches

2

: to do needlework : sew

stitcher noun

Medical Definition

stitch

1 of 2 noun

ˈstich 

1

: a local sharp and sudden pain especially in the side

2

a

: one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in suturing

b

: a portion of a suture left in the tissue after one stitch

removal of stitches

stitch

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to fasten, join, or close with stitches

stitch a wound