Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web

stitch

 - 7 dictionary results

stitch

[stich] ,
–noun
1. one complete movement of a threaded needle through a fabric or material such as to leave behind it a single loop or portion of thread, as in sewing, embroidery, or the surgical closing of wounds.
2. a loop or portion of thread disposed in place by one such movement in sewing: to rip out stitches.
3. a particular mode of disposing the thread in sewing or the style of work produced by one such method.
4. one complete movement of the needle or other implement used in knitting, crocheting, netting, tatting, etc.
5. the portion of work produced.
6. a thread, bit, or piece of any fabric or of clothing: to remove every stitch of clothes.
7. the least bit of anything: He wouldn't do a stitch of work.
8. a sudden, sharp pain, esp. in the intercostal muscles: a stitch in the side.
–verb (used with object)
9. to work upon, join, mend, or fasten with or as if with stitches; sew (often fol. by together): to stitch together flour sacks to make curtains; a plan that was barely stitched together.
10. to ornament or embellish with stitches: to stitch a shirt with a monogram.
–verb (used without object)
11. to make stitches, join together, or sew.
12. in stitches, convulsed with laughter: The comedian had us in stitches all evening.

Origin:
bef. 900; (n.) ME stiche, OE stice a thrust, stab; c. G Stich prick; akin to stick 2 ; (v.) ME stichen to stab, pierce, deriv. of the n.


stitcher, noun
stitchlike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To stitch
stitch   (stĭch)   
n.  
  1. A single complete movement of a threaded needle in sewing or surgical suturing.

    1. A single loop of yarn around an implement such as a knitting needle.

    2. The link, loop, or knot made in this way.

  2. A mode of arranging the threads in sewing, knitting, or crocheting: a purl stitch.

  3. A sudden sharp pain, especially in the side. See Synonyms at pain.

  4. Informal An article of clothing: wore not a stitch.

  5. Informal The least part; a bit: didn't do a stitch of work.

  6. A ridge between two furrows.

v.   stitched, stitch·ing, stitch·es

v.   tr.
    1. To fasten or join with or as if with stitches.

    2. To mend or repair with stitches: stitched up the tear.

  1. To decorate or ornament with or as if with stitches: "The sky was stitched with stars" (Mario Puzo).

  2. To fasten together with staples or thread.

v.   intr.
To make stitches; sew.

[Middle English stiche, from Old English stice, sting; see steig- in Indo-European roots.]
stitch'er n.
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
Word Origin & History

stitch  (n.)
O.E. stice "a prick, puncture," from P.Gmc. *stikiz, from the root of stick (v.). The sense of "sudden, stabbing pain in the side" was in late O.E. The verb is first recorded c.1225, "to stab, pierce," also "to fasten or adorn with stitches." Noun senses in sewing and shoemaking first recorded c.1290; meaning "bit of clothing one is (or isn't) wearing" is from c.1500. Meaning "a stroke of work" (of any kind) is attested from 1581. Surgical sense first recorded 1525. Sense of "amusing person or thing" is 1968, from notion of laughing so much one gets stitches of pain (cf. verbal expression to have (someone) in stitches, 1935).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 1stitch
Pronunciation: 'stich
Function: noun
1 : a local sharp and sudden pain especially in the side
2 a : one in-and-out movement of a threaded needle in suturing b : a portion of a suture left in the tissue after one stitch stitches>

Main Entry: 2stitch
Function: transitive verb
: to fasten, join, or close with stitches <stitch a wound>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

stitch (stĭch)
n.

  1. A sudden sharp pain, especially in the side.

  2. A single suture.

v. stitched, stitch·ing, stitch·es
To suture.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

stitch

In addition to the idiom beginning with stitch, also see in stitches; without a stitch on.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see stitch on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: