suede

noun \ ˈswād \

variants: or less commonly suède

|Updated on: 19 Jun 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

Nike Air Zoom Generation sneakers, with suede from NASCAR driver’s @dennyhamlin’s racing boots.

— michelle r. martinelli, For The Win, "The purple suede shoes LeBron James wore to Game 3 are fireproof," 7 June 2018
This pressure is palpable in the suede-like grip steering wheel from about 80 mph, building to a crescendo of aerodynamic pressure at 155 mph, hissing with the force of 1,760 pounds.

— dan neil, WSJ, "2019 McLaren Senna: A Pet Racecar for Billionaires," 31 May 2018
Captivated by Faith’s signature tall suede boots and her commanding but kind manner, Greer squeaks out a question about misogyny so quietly that Faith can barely hear her.

— ruth franklin, The Atlantic, "The Female Persuasion Should Be a Literary Breakout. Will It?," 19 Apr. 2018
See the king Slip on your blue suede shoes and prepare to get all shook up.

— hannah kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Where to take in live music in Milwaukee's southern suburbs," 28 May 2018
Gucci’s Ophidia small belt bag in chestnut suede is the latest must-have from this coveted brand.

— sari anne tuschman, latimes.com, "The fanny pack — yes, the fanny pack — is in the midst of a major comeback," 18 May 2018
With the recent 50th anniversary of Puma's classic suede sneaker, the fashion brand and beauty powerhouse have teamed up with each other for the first time, to create special-edition suede sneakers to match iconic MAC lipstick colors.

— tiffany dodson, SELF, "Thank You, Puma x MAC for Giving Me Sneakers and Lipstick That Match," 17 May 2018
The Chalet features white and espresso leather with Venetian leather inserts with Alcantara suede-like trim.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: When mileage and elegance matter," 15 May 2018
Middleton paired her springy dress with a pair of low nude suede pumps from Gianvito Rossi, which are still available to buy for $675 while her baby boy wore a white baby hat and was wrapped in a white swaddle.

— cady lang, Time, "Kate Middleton Just Appeared After Giving Birth to Third Child. Her Red Dress Has a Sweet Hidden Meaning.," 23 Apr. 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