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

The Bronco Boot Low leads a new 1908 collection that also includes two Pro Leather colorways in suede, as well as a pair of Jogger expressions in hairy suede. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

Bombas Saturday Suede Slip-On Clogs These luxe suede slippers aren’t just for the home. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 9 Nov. 2026

Think chocolate brown riding boots, oversized leather jackets, faux-fur coats, and a healthy appreciation for anything suede. — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 7 Nov. 2026

For a less expensive way to try the trend, this suede tote from Caistre is just $20 in three seasonal shades. — Valeriya Chupinina, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 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"