stitch

1 of 2

noun

ˈstich 

1

: a local sharp and sudden pain especially in the side

2

a

: one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in sewing, embroidering, or suturing

b

: a portion of thread left in the material or suture left in the tissue after one stitch

3

: a least bit especially of clothing

didn't have a stitch on

4

: a single loop of thread or yarn around an implement (such as a knitting needle or crochet hook)

5

: a stitch or series of stitches formed in a particular way

a basting stitch

stitch

2 of 2

verb

stitched; stitching; stitches

transitive verb

1

a

: to fasten, join, or close with or as if with stitches

stitched a seam

b

: to make, mend, or decorate with or as if with stitches

2

: to unite by means of staples

intransitive verb

: sew

stitcher noun

Phrases

in stitches

: in a state of uncontrollable laughter

he had us all in stitches

Synonyms

Noun

• ache
• pain
• pang
• prick
• shoot
• smart
• sting
• throe
• tingle
• twinge

Verb

• darn
• sew
• suture

Examples of stitch in a Sentence

Noun

the stitches on a baseball

She pulled out the stitches.

His cut required six stitches.

She gets her stitches removed tomorrow.

The book teaches a variety of stitches.

a scarf worked in knit stitch

Verb

He stitched a patch onto his coat.

Her initials were stitched on the pillowcase.

He stitched a design along the border of the tablecloth.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In what was arguably the funniest presentation for an honor tonight, Despicable Me star Steve Carell had the Fairmont Century Ballroom full of producers in stitches before Meledandri hit the mic, elbowing the room for being envious of Meledandri’s honor. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025

Sticking to a weight-loss diet can be hard even for animals, as proven by a viral TikTok video that has left internet users in stitches. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Verb

And then the other [you, Sue] has to stitch your spine again and take care of it. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025

Only now, those pieces are stitched, stamped, and embroidered, because there’s more than one way to put a personal spin on wardrobe staples. —Olivia Allen, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stiche, from Old English stice; akin to Old English stician to stick

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing stitch

• a stitch in time (saves nine)
• blanket stitch
• buttonhole stitch
• chain stitch
• cross-stitch
• drop a stitch
• flame stitch
• knit stitch
• not have a stitch on
• not wearing a stitch (of clothes/clothing)
• overcast stitch
• purl stitch
• running stitch
• satin stitch
• slip stitch
• stitch together
• stitch up
• tent stitch

Kids Definition

stitch

1 of 2 noun

ˈstich 

1

: a sudden sharp pain especially in the side

2

a

: one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in sewing or embroidering

b

: a portion of thread left in the material after one stitch

3

: a single loop of thread or yarn around a tool (as a knitting needle)

4

: a series of stitches formed in a particular way

stitch

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to join with or as if with stitches

stitched a seam

b

: to make, mend, or decorate with or as if with stitches

2

: to do needlework : sew

stitcher noun

Medical Definition

stitch

1 of 2 noun

ˈstich 

1

: a local sharp and sudden pain especially in the side

2

a

: one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in suturing

b

: a portion of a suture left in the tissue after one stitch

removal of stitches

stitch

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to fasten, join, or close with stitches

stitch a wound