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

In 2026, the preppy shoe got a refresh—the silhouette comes in pretty suede hues, or with sleek buckles and studs, and maximalists can even grab the flats in fun animal prints like snake and leopard. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026

George wore a white Ralph Lauren shirt and gray chino-style pants, while Louis wore a blue shirt and black pants with suede brown loafers. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Aug. 2026

Like Michele’s strappy Rockstud styles, the Révélé has found its way to many red carpets and high-profile locations in various shade suedes thanks to celebrity supporters. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Winfrey paired the heels with jeans and a light brown suede jacket while King wore brown pants and a black leather jacket. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 30 July 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"