Meaning & Definition of Hem in English

1. The edge of a piece of cloth

• Especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down

• "The hem of her dress was stained"

• "Let down the hem"

• "He stitched weights into the curtain's hem"

• "It seeped along the hem of his jacket"

2. The utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat

• Intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.

1. Fold over and sew together to provide with a hem

• "Hem my skirt"

2. Utter `hem' or `ahem'