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

For the prestige squares, most in the exhibition originating from the 1980s, the women use flat embroidery stitches or cut pile to create the plush, velvety effect. —Virginia Brown, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026

Second baseman Chris Hacopian hasn't played since the second game of the season due to a back injury, while center fielder Caden Sorrell required stitches in his hand after Friday's win, which forced him out of Saturday and Sunday's games. —Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026

Verb

Hunter Hess, a skier, made a useful distinction between the flag stitched onto his clothes and the vision of his country that lives in his heart and mind. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026

For a growing number of athletes, the packing list also includes knitting needles to stitch the whole picture together. —Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 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