Definition Synonyms
Definition of hemming - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
sewingRare the process of folding and sewing the edge of fabricRare
- Hemming is the last step in making these curtains.
2.
speechRare the act of making a vocal sound to show hesitation or doubtRare
- His constant hemming made him sound unsure.
Adjective
1.
behaviorRare characterized by hesitation or indecisionRare
- His hemming response made everyone uncertain.
2.
sewingRare in the process of being hemmedRare
- The hemming dress was almost complete.
Expressions with hemming
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
thread pattern securing a folded edge, stopping unraveling
A neat hemming-stitch kept the curtain's folded edge from unraveling.
Origin of hemming
Old English, hemming (to hem)
Terms with hemming 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.
sewing
device on a sewing machine for hemming fabric
Examples of hemming in a sentence
She delayed the hemming until after the final fitting of the jeans. There was a lot of hemming before she answered the question. The interviewer noted his hemming and long pauses. Her hemming attitude frustrated her colleagues. The hemming decision delayed the project. The hemming curtains were hung to check the length.
She admired the hemming skirt on the mannequin.
View all translations of hemming
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:ourlet, hésitant, ...
- German:Säumen, zögerlich, ...
- Italian:orlatura, esitante, ...
- Spanish:dobladillo, vacilante, ...
- Portuguese:bainha, hesitante, ...
- Chinese:缝边, 犹豫不决的, ...
- Japanese:まつり縫い, ためらいがちな, ...
- Arabic:تَحْزِيم, مُتَرَدِّد, ...
- Hebrew:עֲשִׂיַּת מִכְפֶּלֶת, מַהְסֵס, ...
- Russian:подшивание, нерешительный, ...
- Ukrainian:підшивання низу, вагомий, ...
- Hindi:किनारा मोड़कर सिलाई, हिचकिचाती, ...
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)
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, ...

icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.
icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.
icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the