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

These suede clog mules are an easy choice for everything, including early bakery runs, long travel days, and wandering through mountain towns. —Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

An expansive central display, space-age suede bucket seats that appear to float in the cabin, and chrome-gold elements across the console give the Venus' interiors the appearance of a luxe saloon from the future. —New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026

The neutral tan shade goes with everything and the suede exterior adds a rich-looking touch to any outfit. —Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026

Credit goes to the pops of hot pink and dark navy patent leather, and hot yellow suede accents — set against a navy and pink psychedelic print. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 9 Apr. 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"