sew

verb

ˈsō 

sewed; sewn ˈsōn  or sewed; sewing

transitive verb

1

: to unite or fasten by stitches

2

: to close or enclose by sewing

sew the money in a bag

intransitive verb

: to practice or engage in sewing

sewability

ˌsō-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

sewable

ˈsō-ə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• darn
• stitch
• suture

Examples of sew in a Sentence

She sews her own dresses by hand.

He sewed a patch onto his sleeve.

I sewed the button back on the shirt.

The surgeon sewed the wound shut.

She designs her own dresses and sews in her free time.

Recent Examples on the Web

Peaky itself follows the crime family into the 1920s, getting its series’ title from the gang’s modus operandi of sewing razor blades into its caps. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2024

Some weighted blanket models are made with metal chain material sewn into them. —Martta Kelly, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024

This contrasts with the more formal Oxford, which features a closed-lacing design where the quarters are sewn beneath the vamp. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2024

Liedtke also works with Kenyan tailors, and part of the collection is sewn in Nairobi. —Sahar Khan, Travel + Leisure, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English sīwian; akin to Old High German siuwen to sew, Latin suere

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing sew

• sew up

Kids Definition

sew

verb

ˈsō 

sewed; sewn ˈsōn  or sewed; sewing

1

: to join or fasten by stitches

sew on a button

2

: to work with needle and thread