suede

American  

[sweyd] / sweɪd /

Or suède

noun

1. kid or other leather finished with a soft, napped surface, on the flesh side or on the outer side after removal of a thin outer layer.

2. Also called suede cloth.  a fabric with a napped surface suggesting this.

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verb (used with object)

sueded, sueding

1. to treat so as to raise a nap on (leather, cloth, etc.).

verb (used without object)

sueded, sueding

1. to raise a nap on leather, cloth, etc.

suede British  

/ sweɪd /

noun

1. 1. a leather finished with a fine velvet-like nap, usually on the flesh side of the skin or hide, produced by abrasive action

   2. ( as modifier )

      a suede coat

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Etymology

Origin of suede

1855–60; < French ( gants de ) Suède (gloves from) Sweden

Explanation

Suede is a soft, velvety kind of leather. If you're anything like Elvis Presley, you're fond of your blue suede shoes and would prefer that people don't step on them. Suede is made from leather that's been rubbed to create a nap, or a slightly fuzzy texture. The softer underside of leather is generally used to make suede. Shoes, furniture, gloves, bags, and many other products are commonly made from suede, or from material that's made to look like suede. The word comes from the French phrase gants de Suède, or literally "gloves from Sweden."

Example Sentences

In April 1944, when soldiers pounded on the door late at night to expel her family from their home, Edith put on her favorite dress—blue silk, with a matching suede belt.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

I’d swapped handbags for the season — a slouchy straw tote with a teak handle traded for a forest-green suede pouch — and my wallet, apparently, hadn’t gotten the memo.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

Australian label Aje's catwalk was full of delightful fringed pieces, whilst Balmain's models graced the runway with huge, suede messenger bags.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

Lizzie Osorio remembers customers flooding Lion Boots in early May, browsing embroidered shoes and tasseled suede dresses.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2025

TJ looks handsome in his navy blazer with brown suede elbow patches.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles