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 Princess of Wales also wore a pair of Gianvito Rossi pumps in bisque suede and completed the ensemble by carrying the classic square mini flap bag by Chanel. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 May 2025

The beanbag cover comes in suede and fur finishes in 25 colors and is machine washable. —Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025

The lightweight, flexible sole moves with you and the soft suede even goes into the lining of the back of the shoe for maximum comfort. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

That shape allows the sandal to appear almost fully closed when worn under tailoring, without the worry of looking too hippie-esque, but the gaps in the woven suede allow all the heat to escape the foot. —Nick Hendry, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 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"