sewing

American  

[soh-ing] / ˈsoʊ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or work of one who sews.

2. something sewn or to be sewn.

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sewing British  

/ ˈsəʊɪŋ /

noun

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

   2. ( as modifier )

      sewing basket

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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

In John Scott’s 1880 book “The Story of the Sewing Machine,” Hunt’s daughter reportedly said, “The introduction of such a machine into use would be injurious to the interests of hand-sewers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Sewing nevertheless struck an upbeat note about Deutsche Bank's results and future prospects, saying it had hit all its 2025 goals.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Its chief executive, Christian Sewing, has been trying to pull Deutsche Bank to firmer ground, reduce its risk appetite and restore profitability.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing was faced with a choice of defending one of his analysts or a key client — the U.S.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

"Sewing is an important art," Didu rants one night after school.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• tailoring