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

It’s made on the Aran Islands of Ireland (and even comes with a certificate of authenticity) using two traditional stitches meant to represent luck and protection. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025

Using the embroidery thread and needle, make a few stitches through each glove and knot the thread ends inside the helmet. —Kimberly Stoney, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025

Verb

Russo, who has avoided serious injury and is set to return to play for Arsenal this month, is an out-and-out centre-forward, a grafter who uses her strength to take care of the ball and stitch play, but is also becoming a more ruthless penalty-box striker. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

The Soul Kemper style features an almond toe, stitched ribbing on the upper, a sporty, white sole, and elastic panels for a perfectly snug fit. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 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

Rhymes for stitch

• bitch
• ditch
• fiche
• glitch
• hitch
• ich
• itch
• kitsch
• lich
• mitch
• niche
• pitch

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