sewing

American  

[soh-ing] / ˈsoʊ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or work of one who sews.

2. something sewn or to be sewn.

---

sewing British  

/ ˈsəʊɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. a piece of cloth, etc, that is sewn or to be sewn

   2. ( as modifier )

      sewing basket

---

Etymology

Origin of sewing

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at sew ¹, -ing ¹

Explanation

Sewing is the craft of stitching things using a needle and thread. If you enjoy sewing, your elaborate, hand-stitched Halloween costumes might be the envy of all your friends. Before the invention of the sewing machine in the 1800s, sewing was done by hand. This kind of sewing involves threading a needle and taking repeated stitches through fabric, to attach several pieces to each other. The sewing that goes into a modern, mass-produced piece of clothing requires speedy, electric-powered sewing machines doing all the stitching. You can also use this word for a stitching project: "Have you seen my sewing? I thought I left it on the coffee table."

Example Sentences

Mewing, one of the latest internet beauty crazes, focuses on just that.

From The Guardian • Mar. 21, 2019

Mewing is named after the British orthodontists Dr John Mew and his son, Dr Mike Mew.

From The Guardian • Mar. 21, 2019

As for Mewing of Hawks, the best time for Long-winged Hawks is about the middle of April, and March for the Short-winged Hawks.

From The School of Recreation (1696 edition) Or a Guide to the Most Ingenious Exercises of Hunting, Riding, Racing, Fireworks, Military Discipline, The Science of Defence by Howlett, Robert

Mewing is for the most part only shouting without saying any words.

From The Five Jars by James, M. R. (Montague Rhodes)

The world may banish all regard for thee, Mewing thy fame in frigid chronicles, But every memory that haunts my mind Shall cluster round thee still.

From The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 2, September, 1851 by Various

Related Words

• tailoring