seam

1 of 2

noun

ˈsēm 

1

a

: the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing usually near the edge

b

: the stitching used in such a joining

2

: the space between adjacent planks or strakes of a ship

3

a

: a line, groove, or ridge formed by the abutment of edges

b

: a thin layer or stratum (as of rock) between distinctive layers

also : a bed of valuable mineral and especially coal irrespective of thickness

c

: a line left by a cut or wound

also : wrinkle

4

: a weak or vulnerable area or gap

found a seam in the zone defense

seamlike

ˈsēm-ˌlīk 

adjective

seam

2 of 2

verb

seamed; seaming; seams

transitive verb

1

a

: to join by sewing

b

: to join as if by sewing (as by welding, riveting, or heat-sealing)

2

: to mark with lines suggesting seams

intransitive verb

: to become fissured or ridgy

seamer noun

Phrases

at the seams

: entirely, completely

falling apart at the seams

Synonyms

Verb

• groove
• score
• scribe

Examples of seam in a Sentence

Noun

the seams of a dress

the seams of a boat

a rich seam of iron ore

Verb

in fencing circles it is a mark of honor to have one's face seamed with saber cuts

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Batters talk about recognizing spins by the patterns of seams on the ball—the railroad tracks of a two-seam fastball, the red spot of a slider. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024

Humble country touchstones—banjo licks, lyrics about boots and spurs—are stitched, with seams showing, to dizzying dance beats, lushly stacked vocal harmonies, and cartoonishly giddy raps and chants. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English seem, from Old English sēam; akin to Old English sīwian to sew — more at sew

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing seam

• coal seam
• French seam

Kids Definition

seam

1 of 2 noun

ˈsēm 

1

: the fold, line, or groove made by sewing together or joining two edges or two pieces

the seams of a dress

the seams of a boat

2

a

: a raised or sunken line : groove, furrow, wrinkle

b

: a layer (as of rock) between clearly different layers

coal seams

seamless

-ləs

adjective

seam

2 of 2 verb

1

: to join with a seam

2

: to mark with a line, scar, or wrinkle

creeks seam the valley

a face seamed with age