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

In 1833, he invented a lock-stitch sewing machine that used two threads, one passing through a loop in the other, with both threads interlocking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

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 • Feb. 18, 2026

“I do like pillows,” Hamilton says, noting that he recently bought a sewing machine so he can make his own soft furnishings.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

Prices ranged from $5 for a lamp shade to $100 for the vintage sewing machine.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 13, 2025

Seeing Doreen supported in my arms and silent except for a few wet hiccups, the woman strode away down the hall to her cubicle with its ancient Singer sewing machine and white ironing board.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath