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

This approach is easiest to pull off with stretchy faux leather leggings and close-fitting leather (or faux) leather boots, but can also be created with other fabrics like suede. —Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026

The brand has sold more than 400,000 pairs and now produces the silhouette in four heel heights, from 60 mm to 110 mm, in materials ranging from leather and suede to satin and allover glitter. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 31 Jan. 2026

The men’s and women’s Caribou snow boot is upgraded with Gore-tex waterproofing; the synthetic Sherpa lining is replaced with genuine shearling; and the suede body is exchanged for full-grain leather. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026

Some items, like suede, should never be washed in a machine, no matter the setting. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 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"