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 palette is restricted to colors that exude sophistication, including bourbon suede, olive leather, and black lacquer finishes. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 Mar. 2025

Available in suede, linen, and leather options, these lightweight sneakers are versatile enough to wear on trips year-round. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025

In between, labels revisited their icons with subtle tweaks, embraced suede and animal patterns with gusto, and even tuned into new, innovative frequencies with their designs. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025

Opt for patent leather or rich suede for a polished feel, or embrace trending mesh styles for a modern touch. —Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 5 Mar. 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"