1
a
: the joining of two pieces (as of cloth or leather) by sewing usually near the edge
b
: the stitching used in such a joining
2
: the space between adjacent planks or strakes of a ship
3
a
: a line, groove, or ridge formed by the abutment of edges
b
: a thin layer or stratum (as of rock) between distinctive layers
also
: a bed of valuable mineral and especially coal irrespective of thickness
c
: a line left by a cut or wound
also
: wrinkle
4
: a weak or vulnerable area or gap
found a seam in the zone defense
seamed; seaming; seams
1
a
: to join by sewing
b
: to join as if by sewing (as by welding, riveting, or heat-sealing)
2
: to mark with lines suggesting seams
: to become fissured or ridgy
seamer
noun
Examples of seam in a Sentence
Noun
the seams of a dress
the seams of a boat
a rich seam of iron ore
Verb
in fencing circles it is a mark of honor to have one's face seamed with saber cuts
Recent Examples on the Web
Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Honey wears stockings with seams and uses a rolodex even though her assistant (Gabby Beans) offers to digitize her operation.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Clara McMahon, People.com, 31 May 2025
The top has a subtly cropped fit that hits right at the hips on most people, and the pants have seamed detailing at the knees and lower legs.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for seam
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Another, a process called slip lasting, allowed for the upper to be constructed with single seams and steaming to enable greater flexibility.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Honey wears stockings with seams and uses a rolodex even though her assistant (Gabby Beans) offers to digitize her operation.
—Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Verb
These Lee jeans have a similar silhouette thanks to a high waistline, loose legs, and seam detailing above the ankles for some eye-catching flair.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 31 May 2025
The top has a subtly cropped fit that hits right at the hips on most people, and the pants have seamed detailing at the knees and lower legs.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for seam
Cite this Entry
“Seam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seam. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
seam
1 of 2 noun1
: the fold, line, or groove made by sewing together or joining two edges or two pieces
the seams of a dress
the seams of a boat
seamless
adjective
-ləs
seam
2 of 2 verb1
: to join with a seam
2
: to mark with a line, scar, or wrinkle
creeks seam the valley
a face seamed with age
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share