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

Among the pieces will be pleated skirts, shirtdresses and gingham bias dresses, skater shorts, graphic T-shirts and suede and denim jackets. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 May 2026

These also have a mesh upper lining, which is great for adding some breathability (especially during hot months), and feature pretty suede details along the sides. —Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Then, later in the fall, the same could be said for sumptuous suede jackets from Staud and Rùadh, which topped many a fashion week look—Vogue Shopping’s own Madeline Fass and Lisa Aiken included. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 14 May 2026

Below, shop buttery Italian leather and suede walking shoes in luxe-looking color options at Quince. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 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"