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

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

Above, the microfiber suede headliner stops only for the immensity of the glass roof.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

Newly introduced in suede for fall, the Prada Buckle handbag is timeless, guaranteed to look better with age, and quite possibly the last bag you’ll ever need to buy.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2024

In a burgundy suede blazer, a crisp white shirt, and slim-fitting beige pants, Darren’s definitely got his mama’s fashion flair.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper