seam

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing usually near the edge
b
: the stitching used in such a joining
2
: the space between adjacent planks or strakes of a ship
3
a
: a line, groove, or ridge formed by the abutment of edges
b
: a thin layer or stratum (as of rock) between distinctive layers
also : a bed of valuable mineral and especially coal irrespective of thickness
c
: a line left by a cut or wound
also : wrinkle
4
: a weak or vulnerable area or gap
found a seam in the zone defense
seamlike adjective

seam

2 of 2

verb

seamed; seaming; seams

transitive verb

1
a
: to join by sewing
b
: to join as if by sewing (as by welding, riveting, or heat-sealing)
2
: to mark with lines suggesting seams

intransitive verb

: to become fissured or ridgy
seamer noun
Phrases
at the seams
: entirely, completely
falling apart at the seams

Examples of seam in a Sentence

Noun the seams of a dress the seams of a boat a rich seam of iron ore Verb in fencing circles it is a mark of honor to have one's face seamed with saber cuts
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The force of that final peak averaged 185 Newtons, exerted through two fingers kissing the seams of a five-ounce baseball. Zach Schonbrun, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, a crevice tool is ideal for cleaning crumbs that fell between cushions, within seams or tufts, and underneath low-lying pieces. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
Three spinners was an overload on a seaming English-style morning and his batting unit promptly began a processional march back to the pavilion. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 In the lookbook the top is shown with a pair of olive drab pants with cargo pockets, seaming details and drawings for customization. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for seam 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'seam.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English seem, from Old English sēam; akin to Old English sīwian to sew — more at sew

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of seam was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near seam

Cite this Entry

“Seam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seam. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

seam

1 of 2 noun
1
: the fold, line, or groove made by sewing together or joining two edges or two pieces
the seams of a dress
the seams of a boat
2
a
: a raised or sunken line : groove, furrow, wrinkle
b
: a layer (as of rock) between clearly different layers
coal seams
seamless
-ləs
adjective

seam

2 of 2 verb
1
: to join with a seam
2
: to mark with a line, scar, or wrinkle
creeks seam the valley
a face seamed with age

More from Merriam-Webster on seam

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