suede

1 of 2

noun

ˈswād 

variants or less commonly suède

1

: leather with a napped surface

2

: a fabric finished with a nap to simulate suede

suede

2 of 2

verb

sueded; sueding

transitive verb

: to give a suede finish or nap to (a fabric or leather)

intransitive verb

: to give cloth or leather a suede finish

Examples of suede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Styled with a suede coat, relaxed jeans, and Tabi flats, this look proves the playful accessory isn’t just for summer. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026

For a slouchier vibe, the Suede Tote Bag features a soft suede finish, knotted handle, and relaxed silhouette for that effortless, thrown-together look that somehow always works. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

For this story, Jessie was gifted two Free People Emerson Tote Bags—the classic full-sized style and the mini suede version—to test. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 8 Aug. 2026

Rooms at the Villa Miloer have ethanol-burning fireplaces, potted orchids, and cocoa silk-tweed sofas with suede pillows. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French gants de Suède Swedish gloves

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1921, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for suede

• aid
• aide
• bade
• blade
• braid
• clade
• dade
• fade
• flayed
• fraid
• frayed
• gade

Kids Definition

suede

noun

variants also suède

ˈswād

1

: leather rubbed on one side to produce a velvety surface

2

: a cloth fabric that looks and feels like suede

Etymology

Noun

from French gants de Suède "Swedish gloves," from Suède "Sweden"