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 machine-washable sneakers have a soft, suede-like finish and bouncy foam insoles for extra cushioning. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026

Aritzia’s fall lineup is stacked with delicious jacket options, including this boxy, cropped jacket made of a thick, soft goat suede. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026

Neutral tones are maintained throughout the rest of the sneaker, as are more standard materials for a suede toe tip and the leather stripe directly beneath the cow print. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

With a luxe crocodile-embossed suede upper and a slight heel that adds just enough height without weighing you down, these loafers deliver a high-end look—despite being considered orthopedic. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 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"