Sew

/soʊ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to join, fasten, or attach (things) by means of a needle and thread.

She learned how to sew a button onto her shirt.

to make or repair (something) by stitching with a needle and thread.

He decided to sew his torn jeans instead of buying a new pair.

to create (a garment or other fabric item) by stitching pieces of fabric together.

The fashion designer will sew a beautiful dress for the gala.

to fix or secure (especially in the context of sewing machines or fabric work).

Make sure to sew the edges neatly to prevent fraying.

From Old English ‘siwian’, related to the Indo-European root ‘sew-’ meaning ‘to stitch' or 'to weave’.

sew up

To finish or secure something tightly.

sew what?

A dismissive expression indicating that something is unimportant.

sew the seeds

To initiate a process or idea that will develop further.

sewing

The craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches.

seamstress

A woman who sews garments professionally.

tailor

A person who makes clothing, specifically suits, by cutting and sewing fabric.

To sew someone up

He was so drunk that his friends had to sew him up back home.

Sewing may refer to 'sewing the deal', meaning to finalize an agreement.

After months of negotiation, they finally sewed the deal.