This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
hem
1[ hem ]
/ hÉm /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), hemmed, hem·ming.
to fold back and sew down the edge of (cloth, a garment, etc.); form an edge or border on or around.
to enclose or confine (usually followed by in, around, or about): hemmed in by enemies.
noun
an edge made by folding back the margin of cloth and sewing it down.
the edge or border of a garment, drape, etc., especially at the bottom.
the edge, border, or margin of anything.
Architecture. the raised edge forming the volute of an Ionic capital.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I canât figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of hem
1First recorded before 1000; Middle English hem(e), Old English hem, probably akin to ham âpiece of enclosed land, enclosureâ; see origin at home
Words nearby hem
Other definitions for hem (2 of 3)
hem2
[ hem ]
/ hÉm /
interjection
(an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.)
noun
the utterance or sound of âhem.â
a sound or pause of hesitation: His sermon was full of hems and haws.
verb (used without object), hemmed, hem·ming.
to utter the sound âhem.â
to hesitate in speaking.
Origin of hem
2First recorded in 1520â30; imitative
Other definitions for hem (3 of 3)
Also especially British, haem-.
Compare haemat-.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use hem in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for hem (1 of 3)
hem1
/ (hÉm) /
noun
an edge to a piece of cloth, made by folding the raw edge under and stitching it down
short for hemline
verb hems, hemming or hemmed (tr)
to provide with a hem
(usually foll by in, around, or about) to enclose or confine
Word Origin for hem
Old English hemm; related to Old Frisian hemme enclosed land
British Dictionary definitions for hem (2 of 3)
hem2
/ (hÉm) /
noun, interjection
a representation of the sound of clearing the throat, used to gain attention, express hesitation, etc
verb hems, hemming or hemmed
(intr) to utter this sound
hem and haw or hum and haw to hesitate in speaking or in making a decision
British Dictionary definitions for hem (3 of 3)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012