suede

noun \ ˈswād \

variants: or less commonly suède

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of suede

1 : leather with a napped surface

2 : a fabric finished with a nap to simulate suede

See suede defined for English-language learners

See suede defined for kids

Recent Examples of suede from the Web

Markle paired the look with matching navy suede pumps by Manolo Blahnik and a charming golden clutch by Naeem Khan.

— sara m moniuszko, USA TODAY, "Meghan Markle attends the Queen's birthday concert in navy blue cape dress," 21 Apr. 2018
From Australian brand Lack of Color comes the Lola, a rose pink suede slouch cap to top off any ensemble.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "Forget about the flower crowns for Coachella. Try these fashion picks on for size," 5 Apr. 2018
New seats with revised padding and suede inserts are intended to keep occupants comfortable and in place while the driver is doing things that would keep his mother awake at night.

— jared gall, Car and Driver, "Ford Ranger Raptor Dissected: Engine, Styling, Chassis, and More!," 19 Mar. 2018
The duchess finished off the look with a holiday-appropriate shamrock brooch, gorgeous pair of drop earrings, and black suede pumps.

— abby gardner, Glamour, "Kate Middleton's Forest Green St. Patrick's Day Outfit Is Beyond Regal," 17 Mar. 2018
There were terrific coats — generously cut shearlings in bone or black, a hooded toggle style in a soft, fuzzy brown wool, and a black leather number with suede contrasts.

— cathy horyn, The Cut, "The Case for Apolitical Fashion," 3 Mar. 2018
Materials: Levi uses quality leather, suede, patent leather, wood and other elements in his work.

— allison carey, cleveland.com, "Israeli footwear artist Kobi Levi kicks off Israel's 70th anniversary celebrations with fashion show in Cleveland (photos)," 3 Apr. 2018
In the evening, swap runners for blue suede shoes and head to Chambar in Crosstown for pre-dinner drinks.

— destination canada, Bon Appetit, "Journey by the Sea: A Food Lover's Running Guide to Vancouver," 19 Mar. 2018
Lively proved her style chameleon status at the fashion party wearing a gray suede Tod’s sweatsuit (hot-off the fall/winter 2018 runway) with combat boots and a bag from the Tod’s x Barneys New York capsule to fête the collection.

— brittany talarico, PEOPLE.com, "Blake Lively's 2018 Met Gala Dress Is Her 'Favorite' Ever: 'They've Worked on It For 600 Hours'," 16 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'suede.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of suede

French gants de Suède Swedish gloves

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1883

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Textiles Terms

batt, bias, brocade, duck, flock, lawn, toile

suede

verb

Definition of suede

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

Recent Examples of suede from the Web

The signature suede classic and limited shades of the pointe flat can also be made to measure starting at $275.

— nerissa pacio itchon, San Francisco Chronicle, "Margaux pop-up elevates flats for SF women," 1 Feb. 2018
BUY NOW: Suede penny loafers ($625) by Tod's, mrporter.com For Bad Scuffs, Use a Knife Scuffs on suede are generally nothing more than a spot on the grain that has gotten too matted down.

— scott christian, Esquire, "The Right Way to Keep Your Suede Shoes Clean," 9 Aug. 2017