First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1hem
noun \ˈhem\
: the edge of a piece of cloth that is folded back and sewn down
Full Definition of HEM
1
: a border of a cloth article doubled back and stitched down
See hem defined for English-language learners
See hem defined for kids
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Origin of HEM
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Middle High German hemmen to hem in, Armenian kamel to press
Related to HEM
Other Clothing Terms
2hem
verb
hemmedhem·ming
Definition of HEM
transitive verb
2
: to surround in a restrictive manner : confine —usually used with in <hemmed in by enemy troops>
intransitive verb
: to make a hem in sewing
— hem·mer noun
First Known Use of HEM
14th century
3hem
verb \ˈhem\
hemmedhem·ming
Definition of HEM
intransitive verb
1
: to utter the sound represented by hem <hemmed and hawed before answering>
2
: equivocate <the administration hemmed and hawed over the students' demands>
First Known Use of HEM
15th century
4hem
interjection \usually read as ˈhem\
Definition of HEM
—often used to indicate a vocalized pause in speaking
Origin of HEM
imitative
HEM Defined for Kids
1hem
noun \ˈhem\
Definition of HEM for Kids
: a border of a cloth article made by folding back an edge and sewing it down
2hem
verb
hemmedhem·ming
Definition of HEM for Kids
1
: to finish with or make a hem <I hemmed my skirt.>
2
: surround 1 <Our yard is hemmed in by trees.>
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