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

Scoop up the latest styles, including the Italian fashion house’s spin on the 530 sneaker, with a fresh, suede fabrication and colorful laces in a slim runner shape, or the playful mule, slide hybrid design. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025

Related Articles The effect fits with the velvety texture and softness of the new suede iterations of Miu Miu’s matelassé bags, where panels are doubled with wadding and elastic cloth, and then quilted. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 27 Mar. 2025

The plush, suede construction ensures a soft, supportive fit, while the classic design seamlessly pairs with both casual and more dressed-up outfits. —Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2025

Unlike its delicate satin and suede counterparts, the leather version of this shoe can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear. —Nina Derwin, Glamour, 19 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"