Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

sew

 - 3 dictionary results

sew

1  [soh] verb, sewed, sewn or sewed, sew⋅ing.
Use sew in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to join or attach by stitches.
2. to make, repair, etc., (a garment) by such means.
3. to enclose or secure with stitches: to sew flour in a bag.
4. to close (a hole, wound, etc.) by means of stitches (usually fol. by up).
–verb (used without object)
5. to work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.
—Verb phrase
6. sew up,
a. Informal. to get or have a monopoly of; control exclusively.
b. Informal. to complete or conclude (arrangements, negotiations, etc.) successfully: They were about to sew up the deal when the argument started.
c. to gain or be assured of: He tried to sew up as many votes as possible before the convention.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME sewen, OE siw(i)an; c. OHG siuwan, Goth siujan, L suere (see suture ); akin to seam

Related forms:
sew⋅a⋅ble, adjective, noun

sew

2  [soo] verb, sewed, sew⋅ing, noun Nautical
–verb (used with object)
1. to ground (a vessel) at low tide (sometimes fol by up).
–verb (used without object)
2. (of a vessel) to be grounded at low tide.
–noun
3. the amount of additional water necessary to float a grounded vessel.
Origin:
1505–15; < MF sewer, aph. var. of essewer < VL *exaquāre, equiv. to L ex- ex- 1 + aqu(a) water + -āre inf. suffix
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To sew
sew   (sō)   
v.   sewed, sewn (sōn) or sewed, sew·ing, sews

v.   tr.

  1. To make, repair, or fasten by stitching, as with a needle and thread or a sewing machine: sew a dress; sew on a button.

  2. To furnish with stitches for the purpose of closing, fastening, or attaching: sew an incision closed.

v.   intr.
To work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.
Phrasal Verb(s):
sew up Informal

  1. To complete successfully: Our team has sewn up the championship.

  2. To gain complete control of; monopolize.

  3. To make sure of: campaign strategists who were trying to sew up the election results.


[Middle English sewen, from Old English seowian; see syū- in Indo-European roots.]
sew'a·ble adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see sew on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way