seam

[seem]

noun

1. the line formed by sewing together pieces of cloth, leather, or the like.

2. the stitches used to make such a line.

3. any line formed by abutting edges.

4. any linear indentation or mark, as a wrinkle or scar.

5. Knitting.,  a line of stitches formed by purling.

6. Geology.,  a comparatively thin stratum; a bed, as of coal.

verb (used with object)

1. to join with or as if with stitches; make the seam or seams of.

2. to furrow; mark with wrinkles, scars, etc.

3. Knitting.,  to knit with or in a seam.

verb (used without object)

1. to become cracked, fissured, or furrowed.

2. Knitting.,  to make a line of stitches by purling.

seam

/ siːm /

noun

1. the line along which pieces of fabric are joined, esp by stitching

2. a ridge or line made by joining two edges

3. a stratum of coal, ore, etc

4. a linear indentation, such as a wrinkle or scar

5. surgery another name for suture

6. (modifier) cricket of or relating to a style of bowling in which the bowler utilizes the stitched seam round the ball in order to make it swing in flight and after touching the ground

   a seam bowler

7. full to overflowing

8. dialect,  doing well, esp financially

verb

1. (tr) to join or sew together by or as if by a seam

2. to make ridges in (knitting) using purl stitch

3. to mark or become marked with or as if with a seam or wrinkle

seam

1. A thin layer or stratum, as of coal or rock.

Other Word Forms

• seamer noun
• underseam noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of seam¹

before 1000; Middle English seme (noun), Old English sēam; cognate with German Saum hem; akin to sew ¹, Greek hymḗn membrane ( hymen )

Word History and Origins

Origin of seam¹

Old English; related to Old Norse saumr, Old High German soum

Idioms and Phrases

see burst at the seams; come apart at the seams.

Example Sentences

At the same time, McRee sprinted through the seam, taking a linebacker with him.

From Los Angeles Times

England sorely missed a seam bowling all-rounder in the one-day international series won 2-1 by the Proteas, with spinners Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks sharing the duties of the fifth bowler.

From BBC

“I have watched it grow. Now we’re bursting at the seams out of here,” says Ramstead as he checks out a costume designer shopping for the upcoming season of “Abbott Elementary.”

From Los Angeles Times

I don’t want to have to be walking around the room making sure that my seams are straight, or my sleeves are right; I just want to have it on.

From Los Angeles Times

Jockey John Velazquez got him midpack but saw a seam between horses on the far turn and rode to the lead to win by about three lengths.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hem 
• joint 
• pleat