hemmer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “hemmer” mean?
One who or that which hems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One who or that which hems; specifically a person who sews hems, or a sewing machine attachment for turning and stitching fabric edges.
In manufacturing, an industrial device or person employed to create a clean, folded edge on materials like metal, fabric, or plastic to prevent fraying or to prepare for joining.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term in tailoring and manufacturing.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “hemmer” in a Sentence
The hemmer [verb: attaches/folds/stitches] the fabric.She worked as a hemmer [prepositional phrase: in a factory].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hemmer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The apprentice will learn to hemmer the curtains by hand first.
- This machine can hemmer, tuck, and gather.
American English
- She needs to hemmer the edges of the flag before attaching the grommets.
- The automated line can hemmer a hundred sleeves per hour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In textile manufacturing: 'We need to order three new automatic hemmers for the production line.'
Academic
In historical or material culture studies: 'The introduction of the mechanical hemmer revolutionized home sewing in the early 20th century.'
Everyday
Very rare. Possible in crafting: 'I'm still learning to use the hemmer foot on my sewing machine.'
Technical
Precise term in garment engineering and metalworking (e.g., for sheet metal edges): 'The panel hemmer ensures a flush, safe edge on the car door.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hemmer”
- Misspelling as 'hemmer' (one m) or 'hemar'.
- Using it as a general term for any sewing tool.
- Incorrect pronunciation as /ˈhiːmə/ (like 'healer').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency, specialised term used primarily in tailoring, sewing, and specific manufacturing contexts.
Yes, though it's less common today. Historically, it could refer to a person whose job was to sew hems, often in a factory setting.
A 'hemmer' specifies the action (hemming), while a 'seamstress' is a general term for a person who sews. A hemmer is a type of seamstress with a specialised focus.
Both are correct. 'Hemming foot' is a more specific and common term for the sewing machine attachment, while 'hemmer' can be a more general term for any device that hems.
One who or that which hems.
Hemmer is usually technical / formal in register.
Hemmer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛm.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛm.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A HEMmer HEMS. It's a doer of the action, like a 'runner' runs or a 'writer' writes.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL AS AGENT (Personification). The machine attachment is named for the human role it replaces.
Practice
Quiz
In which industry would you LEAST likely encounter the term 'hemmer'?