seamer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Sports (Cricket), Technical/Industrial (Manufacturing)
Quick answer
What does “seamer” mean?
A skilled cricket bowler who makes the ball deviate off a straight path by hitting the stitched seam of the ball against the pitch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A skilled cricket bowler who makes the ball deviate off a straight path by hitting the stitched seam of the ball against the pitch.
1. (Textiles/Manufacturing) A person who operates a machine that joins or stitches fabric, leather, or other materials with a seam. 2. (Cricket) A type of delivery bowled by such a bowler; the act of bowling in this style.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The cricket sense is dominant and widely understood in the UK and Commonwealth cricket-playing nations. In the US, the term is virtually unknown outside of expatriate communities or niche sports followers. The manufacturing sense is neutral but rare.
Connotations
In cricket contexts, connotes skill, control, and subtlety. In manufacturing, connotes manual or machine-operating skill.
Frequency
High frequency in UK sports media (esp. summer); very low frequency in US general language.
Grammar
How to Use “seamer” in a Sentence
[Seamer] + bowls/ delivered a [type of ball].The [adjective] seamer took [number] wickets.He is a [nationality] seamer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seamer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new ball will seamer more under these cloudy conditions.
- He can seam the ball both ways.
American English
- (Rare in US usage. If used, identical to British in cricket contexts.)
adverb
British English
- (Not used.)
American English
- (Not used.)
adjective
British English
- A seamer-friendly pitch greeted the teams on the first morning.
- He has a great seamer's grip.
American English
- (Not used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in textiles/garment manufacturing: 'We hired three new seamers for the production line.'
Academic
Rare. Could appear in sports science or industrial history papers.
Everyday
Uncommon. Almost exclusively in discussions about cricket.
Technical
Common in cricket commentary, coaching, journalism. Also in textile machine operation manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seamer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seamer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seamer”
- Confusing 'seamer' with 'seamstress'. Using 'seamer' to refer to any bowler in cricket (it's a specific type, not a synonym for 'bowler').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While many seamers are fast bowlers, 'seamer' refers specifically to a bowler who uses the seam of the ball to achieve movement. A 'fast bowler' is defined by speed. Some fast bowlers are seamers, but others might rely on sheer pace or swing.
It can, but it is technical and industrial. It typically refers to an operator of a seaming machine in a factory setting, not a tailor or seamstress doing hand-sewing or using a domestic sewing machine.
No, it is very uncommon. Cricket is a minor sport in the US, so the primary meaning is not widely known. The manufacturing sense is understood in relevant industries but is not part of everyday vocabulary.
The most direct opposite is a 'spinner' – a bowler who imparts a rapid spin on the ball to make it turn sharply when it bounces, rather than relying on the seam.
A skilled cricket bowler who makes the ball deviate off a straight path by hitting the stitched seam of the ball against the pitch.
Seamer is usually technical/sports (cricket), technical/industrial (manufacturing) in register.
Seamer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiːmə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiːmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a good seam/seam up (cricket, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SEAM in a cricket ball. The person who masters bowling with it is the SEAMer. Or, a machine that makes SEAMs is a SEAMer.
Conceptual Metaphor
The seamer is a CRAFTSMAN/ARTISAN (cricket: crafting a delivery; manufacturing: crafting a seam).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'seamer' LEAST likely to be used?