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

Lauren Ralph Lauren Dani Perforated Suede Sneaker Every capsule wardrobe needs a comfortable pair of sneakers, and this design from Lauren Ralph Lauren has the perfect suede fabric and deep garnet color for winter and early spring. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026

Ubfen Faux Suede Penny Loafers These lightweight Ubfen faux suede penny loafers are a decadent-yet-understated choice for those who want something a little more low-profile. —Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025

Btfbm Faux Suede Jacket Though suede is undoubtedly the texture of the season, its luxurious velvety finish oftentimes comes with a hefty price tag due to the nature of its make. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025

From penny loafers and tassel loafers to leather and suede variations, there are so many different iterations of the tried-and-true shoe that can fit seamlessly into your closet, no matter your personal style. —Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 31 Dec. 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"