hemming
ˈhɛmɪŋ
Definition Synonyms

Definition of hemming - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
sewingRarethe process of folding and sewing the edge of fabricRare
  • Hemming is the last step in making these curtains.
2.
speechRarethe act of making a vocal sound to show hesitation or doubtRare
  • His constant hemming made him sound unsure.

Adjective

1.
behaviorRarecharacterized by hesitation or indecisionRare
  • His hemming response made everyone uncertain.
tentative vacillating wavering
2.
sewingRarein the process of being hemmedRare
  • The hemming dress was almost complete.
sewing
Add a suggestion |

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.

View all translations of hemming

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:ourlet, hésitant, ...
  2. German:Säumen, zögerlich, ...
  3. Italian:orlatura, esitante, ...
  4. Spanish:dobladillo, vacilante, ...
  5. Portuguese:bainha, hesitante, ...
  6. Chinese:缝边, 犹豫不决的, ...
  7. Japanese:まつり縫い, ためらいがちな, ...
  8. Arabic:تَحْزِيم, مُتَرَدِّد, ...
  9. Hebrew:עֲשִׂיַּת מִכְפֶּלֶת, מַהְסֵס, ...
  10. Russian:подшивание, нерешительный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:підшивання низу, вагомий, ...
  12. Hindi:किनारा मोड़कर सिलाई, हिचकिचाती, ...
hem
hɛm
hemmed
hem: edge of cloth folded and sewn to prevent fraying
Images

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.
border edge rim
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.
border edge

Verb

1.
sewingtr.fold and sew a fabric edge to stop frayingtr.
  • She hemmed the dress to shorten it.
border edge
2.
restrictiontr.enclose or confine in a restrictive waytr.
  • The garden was hemmed in by tall trees.
encircle enclose
3.
vocal soundintr.make a sound like 'ahem' to express hesitationintr.
  • He hemmed before answering the question.
clear one's throat cough
Add a suggestion |

Images of hem

  • hem: edge of cloth folded and sewn to prevent fraying
    edge of cloth folded and sewn to prevent fraying
  • hem: rim or edge folded back in sheet metal design
    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.

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.

View all translations of hem

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:ourlet, ourler, ...
  2. German:Saum, säumen, ...
  3. Italian:orlo, fare l'orlo, ...
  4. Spanish:dobladillo, dobladillar, ...
  5. Portuguese:bainha, bainhar, ...
  6. Chinese:下摆, 缝边, ...
  7. Japanese:裾, 裾を縫う, ...
  8. Arabic:ذَيْل, حَفَّف, ...
  9. Hebrew:מִכְפֶּלֶת, לִתְפּוֹר מִכְפֶּלֶת, ...
  10. Russian:подол, подшивать, ...
  11. Ukrainian:підгин, підшивати, ...
  12. Hindi:मुड़ा हुआ किनारा, किनारी मोड़कर सिलना, ...

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery