Definition of Sew
Quick Meaning of Sew
to use a needle and thread to connect pieces of cloth or fix torn material
Detailed Definition of Sew
to join or repair fabric using a needle and thread
How to Pronounce Sew
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'so' and 'sow' - all three are pronounced /soʊ/ despite different spellings
Origin and Etymology of Sew
Old English siwian, from Proto-Germanic *siw-
How to Use Sew in a Sentence
Each example shows “sew” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She sews buttons on her coat.”
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“He sewed up the hole in his jeans.”
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“The designer sewn intricate patterns into the fabric.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Sew
Common Synonyms for Sew
Smart Synonyms for Sew — When to Use Each
- stitch
- precise technique
- mend
- repair existing damage
- darn
- fill holes with thread
Antonyms of Sew
Common Collocations with Sew
These phrases pair with “sew” in everyday English:
- sew a button
- sew together
- hand-sew
- sew up
Common Mistakes When Using Sew
Even fluent speakers slip up with “sew”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I sew a hole yesterday
- ✓ Correct: I sewed a hole yesterday
- Why: sew is irregular; use sewed in past tense, not sew
- ✗ Wrong: She have sewn the dress
- ✓ Correct: She has sewn the dress
- Why: third person singular requires has, not have
Words Confused With Sew
- Sew vs Sow: Sow (plant seeds) sounds identical /soʊ/ - different meaning and spelling
- Sew vs So: All three (sew/sow/so) are homophones - context distinguishes them
Other Forms of Sew
Frequently Asked Questions About Sew
What is the meaning of "Sew"?
to use a needle and thread to connect pieces of cloth or fix torn material
How do you pronounce "Sew"?
The IPA is /soʊ/. Rhymes with 'so' and 'sow' - all three are pronounced /soʊ/ despite different spellings
What part of speech is "Sew"?
"Sew" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Sew"?
Common synonyms include stitch, mend, repair.
How do you use "Sew" in a sentence?
For example: "She sews buttons on her coat."