Definition of hem - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
clothingedge of cloth folded and sewn to prevent fraying
- The hem of her dress was beautifully stitched.
2.
soundsound made to express hesitation or doubt
- He gave a small hem before speaking.
3.
metalworkTECH. rim or edge folded back in sheet metal designTECH.
- The hem on the metal sheet added strength.
Verb
1.
sewingtr. fold and sew a fabric edge to stop frayingtr.
- She hemmed the dress to shorten it.
2.
restrictiontr. enclose or confine in a restrictive waytr.
- The garden was hemmed in by tall trees.
3.
vocal soundintr. make a sound like 'ahem' to express hesitationintr.
- He hemmed before answering the question.
Images of hem
edge of cloth folded and sewn to prevent fraying 
rim or edge folded back in sheet metal design
Expressions with hem
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
surround and restrict movement or freedom
Tall buildings hem in the small park.
hesitate or avoid giving a direct answer
He will hem and haw if you ask about his plans.
hesitate or pause often when speaking to show uncertainty
She hemmed and hawed before answering the question.
sew the edge of a piece of cloth
She hemmed up the dress to make it shorter.
indecisive behavior or hesitation in decision-making
His hem and hawing cost us valuable time.
approach someone important hoping for help or blessing
Many fans wanted to touch the hem of her cloak.
show respect by touching the edge of someone's clothing with lips
She kissed the hem of the king's garment to show her loyalty..
make physical contact with the edge of someone's robe respectfully
She tried to touch the hem of the rabbi's robe for a blessing.
speak unclearly or hesitate when deciding or answering
He will hem and haw about the proposal for hours.
show excessive admiration or submission to someone
She would kiss the hem of his dress if he asked.
show great respect or admiration to someone
He would kiss the hem of her robe in gratitude.
express respect or seek comfort from someone superior
She touched the hem of the garment to show her respect.
act indecisive or hesitate when deciding about something
She will hem and haw over every little choice.
Origin of hem
Greek, haima (blood)
Terms with hem included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
clothing
casual shirt with a straight hem
clothing
lengthen clothing by adjusting the hem
design
skirt with a hem resembling a fish's tail
clothing
pleat at back or hem of skirt for easier movement
sewing
nearly invisible hem stitch
fashion movement
skirt with a hem that flares and moves playfully
clothing
seam inside trousers from crotch to hem
maritime
broad hem on a sail's edge
fashion
loose dress that widens from shoulders to hem
clothing
the turned-back hem on clothing
needlework
decorative hem edging made by pulling fabric strands into groups
Examples of hem in a sentence
The tailor adjusted the hem to the right length. Um, hem, I am not sure that is correct. Her hesitant hem delayed the answer. The hem prevented sharp edges on the sculpture. He carefully folded the hem to finish the piece. He hemmed the curtains to fit the window.
They hemmed the edges of the tablecloth. The village was hemmed in by mountains. Her creativity was hemmed by strict rules. She hemmed nervously before speaking. He hemmed and looked at the floor.
View all translations of hem
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:ourlet, ourler, ...
- German:Saum, säumen, ...
- Italian:orlo, fare l'orlo, ...
- Spanish:dobladillo, dobladillar, ...
- Portuguese:bainha, bainhar, ...
- Chinese:下摆, 缝边, ...
- Japanese:裾, 裾を縫う, ...
- Arabic:ذَيْل, حَفَّف, ...
- Hebrew:מִכְפֶּלֶת, לִתְפּוֹר מִכְפֶּלֶת, ...
- Russian:подол, подшивать, ...
- Ukrainian:підгин, підшивати, ...
- Hindi:मुड़ा हुआ किनारा, किनारी मोड़कर सिलना, ...
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