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

A machine-made ball, it can feel bigger in the hand and has a smaller seam.

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With pitches in Australia tougher than ever and the refined Kookaburra seaming more, driving is fraught with far more danger these days.

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Gone are the more traditional English-style swing and seam bowlers, in their place a battery of hulking quicks capable of clocking 90mph.

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But in the 2023 Ashes series, with less bounce and seam movement on offer in England, that repeatability became a weakness.

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The Kookaburra feels bigger, with a smaller seam.

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Related Words

• hem 
• joint 
• pleat