sewing machine

American  

noun

1. any of various foot-operated or electric machines for sewing or making stitches, ranging from machines with a shuttle for a spool of thread and a needle for sewing garments to industrial machines for sewing leather, book pages together, etc.

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sewing machine British  

noun

1. any machine designed to sew material. It is now usually driven by electric motor but is sometimes operated by a foot treadle or by hand

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Etymology

Origin of sewing machine

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Now those plans are on hold as her budget is eaten up buying petrol to power up generators to run her sewing machines after fuel prices jumped about 20 percent in Africa's most populous country.

From Barron's

Alavi was given a range of equipment including a sewing machine, fabric and cash for a solar panel -- essential in a country where power cuts are commonplace.

From Barron's

Fabric strips are lined up ready for my sewing machine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Amanda says she feels like "a new woman" now that she can cut material and use her sewing machine again.

From BBC

And how long before this hyperbaric, ultrasonic sewing machine spins a bobbin?

From The Wall Street Journal