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,
- Informal. to get or have a monopoly of; control exclusively.
- Informal. to complete or conclude (arrangements, negotiations, etc.) successfully: They were about to sew up the deal when the argument started.
- to gain or be assured of: He tried to sew up as many votes as possible before the convention.
Origin of sew
1OTHER WORDS FROM sew
sew·a·ble, adjective, nounWords nearby sew
sevier,
sevier river,
seville,
seville orange,
sevruga,
sew,
sew up,
sewage,
sewage farm,
sewage gas,
sewall
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
Complete successfully, as in Our team has sewn up the championship. [Colloquial; c. 1900]
Gain complete control of, monopolize, as in Our restaurant hopes to sew up the town's takeout business. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]