noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She has never been able to return to work, though she volunteers with NI Chest Heart and Stroke and enjoys sewing.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
The "sewing of the loose ends" of the festival is on Saturday.
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026
"Her sewing machine was there. She was in tears because it's broken now. So, well, it's a tragedy. But in my family everyone is alive and for that I thank God," he said.
From Barron's ● Sep. 26, 2026
My mother made all our clothes on a Singer sewing machine for years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
After that, Adek brought me more small sewing jobs for the lower-ranking soldiers.
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
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