suede

1 of 2

noun

ˈswād How to pronounce suede (audio)
variants or less commonly suède
Synonyms of suedenext
1
: leather with a napped surface
2
: a fabric finished with a nap to simulate suede

suede

2 of 2

verb

sueded; sueding

transitive verb

: to give a suede finish or nap to (a fabric or leather)

intransitive verb

: to give cloth or leather a suede finish

Examples of suede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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
The kicks have stylish suede uppers, plush insoles, and thick, rubber outsoles with plenty of traction for any kind of trek. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 July 2026 The crochet, the suede, the fringe; its patron saints Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 July 2026 The triple-layer sole has enough flexibility and support that your feet aren’t begging for a break halfway through the day, and the suede-like insole is ridiculously soft. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 The light blue Jadaron is currently $627 on Manolo Blahnik’s website, as is the beige suede version. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for suede

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French gants de Suède Swedish gloves

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1921, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of suede was in 1883

Rhymes for suede

See All Rhymes for suede

Browse Nearby Words

Sue
suede
sue for damages
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suede. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suede

noun
variants also suède
ˈswād
1
: leather rubbed on one side to produce a velvety surface
2
: a cloth fabric that looks and feels like suede
Etymology

Noun

from French gants de Suède "Swedish gloves," from Suède "Sweden"

More from Merriam-Webster on suede

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for suede

Nglish: Translation of suede for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about suede

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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