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 boot takes the classic Ugg look of a suede upper and sheepskin lining and amps it up with extra coverage, showcasing a slightly slouchy shaft reaching well above the knee; the style also features buckles down the back of the shaft. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025

Try the style for less with this faux suede purse that's inspired by a spacious carryall Jennifer Aniston recently accessorized with. —Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Not to mention, the suede upper is protected with a 3M Scotchguard treatment that repels water, so you’re quite literally covered for any rain showers or dirty puddles. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025

The vanilla here is sophisticated rather than dessert-like, thanks to the interplay with cedarwood and that stunning suede note. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

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"