suede

1 of 2

noun

ˈswād 

variants or less commonly suède

1

: leather with a napped surface

2

: a fabric finished with a nap to simulate suede

suede

2 of 2

verb

sueded; sueding

transitive verb

: to give a suede finish or nap to (a fabric or leather)

intransitive verb

: to give cloth or leather a suede finish

Examples of suede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The sleek Pochette range also includes a more geometrical, horizontal shape, plus sumptuous textures such as suede and a seriously chic color wheel of options to choose from. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2024

Sam Edelman Saige Ankle Boots Finish off the look with these suede ankle boots from Sam Edelman. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024

In the exhibition, the tubular pendants and sconces are arranged in various configurations and theatrical settings; besides brass, bronze, and silver, there are leather and suede options. —Morgan Meier, Curbed, 27 Dec. 2024

Your designer must-haves can all be found here, including tailoring from The Row, a stunning suede jacket from Carven and the coveted J.W. Anderson Campo Mary Janes. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French gants de Suède Swedish gloves

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1921, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

suede

noun

variants also suède

ˈswād

1

: leather rubbed on one side to produce a velvety surface

2

: a cloth fabric that looks and feels like suede

Etymology

Noun

from French gants de Suède "Swedish gloves," from Suède "Sweden"