sew

1
[ soh ]
/ soʊ /

verb (used with object), sewed, sewn or sewed, sew·ing.

to join or attach by stitches.
to make, repair, etc., (a garment) by such means.
to enclose or secure with stitches: to sew flour in a bag.
to close (a hole, wound, etc.) by means of stitches (usually followed by up).

verb (used without object), sewed, sewn or sewed, sew·ing.

to work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.

Verb Phrases

sew up,
  1. Informal. to get or have a monopoly of; control exclusively.
  2. Informal. to complete or conclude (arrangements, negotiations, etc.) successfully: They were about to sew up the deal when the argument started.
  3. to gain or be assured of: He tried to sew up as many votes as possible before the convention.

Origin of sew

1
before 900; Middle English sewen, Old English siw(i)an; cognate with Old High German siuwan, Gothic siujan, Latin suere (see suture); akin to seam

OTHER WORDS FROM sew

sew·a·ble, adjective, noun

British Dictionary definitions for sew up (1 of 2)

sew up

verb (tr, adverb)

to fasten or mend completely by sewing
US to acquire sole use or control of
informal to complete or negotiate successfully to sew up a deal

British Dictionary definitions for sew up (2 of 2)

sew
/ (səʊ) /

verb sews, sewing, sewed, sewn or sewed

to join or decorate (pieces of fabric, etc) by means of a thread repeatedly passed through with a needle or similar implement
(tr; often foll by on or up) to attach, fasten, or close by sewing
(tr) to make (a garment, etc) by sewing
See also sew up

Word Origin for sew

Old English sēowan; related to Old Norse sӯja, Gothic siujan, Old High German siuwen, Latin suere to sew, Sanskrit sīvjati he sews

Idioms and Phrases with sew up

sew up

1

Complete successfully, as in Our team has sewn up the championship. [Colloquial; c. 1900]

2

Gain complete control of, monopolize, as in Our restaurant hopes to sew up the town's takeout business. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]