sewn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal. More commonly used in its base form 'sew' in everyday speech, but 'sewn' is standard in written and descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sewn” mean?
The past participle form of 'sew', meaning to join, fasten, or repair something using a needle and thread.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past participle form of 'sew', meaning to join, fasten, or repair something using a needle and thread.
Can describe something that has been carefully crafted, assembled, or metaphorically brought together; sometimes used figuratively to mean something is conclusively settled or finalized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage difference. Both use 'sewn' as the standard past participle. 'Sewed' is also an accepted past participle in some informal contexts, but 'sewn' is more common for the participle.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slight preference for 'sewn' in formal/written contexts.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “sewn” in a Sentence
[be] sewn [into/onto/to sth][be] sewn [together][be] sewn [up][have sth] sewn [by sb][sth is] sewn [with sth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sewn” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The patches have been sewn onto his jacket.
- She had sewn the costume herself for the pantomime.
American English
- The quilt was sewn by a local artisan.
- I haven't sewn the rip in my jeans yet.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb) The seam was sewn crookedly.
American English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb) It was sewn tightly shut.
adjective
British English
- The sewn hem came undone in the wash.
- Look at the beautifully sewn embroidery.
American English
- She prefers sewn bindings on her notebooks.
- The hand-sewn leather is of high quality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion/textile industries ('The samples are hand-sewn.'). Figurative use: 'The deal is sewn up.'
Academic
Rare in most fields. Appears in historical, anthropological, or material culture studies describing artifacts.
Everyday
Common in contexts of clothing repair, crafts, and DIY ('I've sewn the button back on.').
Technical
Standard in tailoring, upholstery, surgery (sutures), and bookbinding.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sewn”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sewn”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sewn”
- Using 'sewed' as the past participle in formal writing (though acceptable informally).
- Misspelling as 'sown' (the farming term).
- Incorrect passive construction: 'It was sewn by her' is correct; 'It sewn by her' is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted, but 'sewn' is more common as the past participle, especially in formal writing and adjectival use. 'Sewed' is more frequent as the simple past tense.
Yes, frequently. For example: 'a hand-sewn garment', 'the sewn edge'. It functions as a participial adjective.
They are largely synonymous. 'Sewn' is the general term. 'Stitched' can imply individual stitches are visible or is often used in medical contexts (sutures) and embroidery. 'Sewn' is the default for joining fabric.
Remember the association: 'sew' involves thread (contains 'e'), 'sow' involves seeds (contains 'o'). 'Sewn' for fabric, 'sown' for fields.
The past participle form of 'sew', meaning to join, fasten, or repair something using a needle and thread.
Sewn is usually neutral to formal. more commonly used in its base form 'sew' in everyday speech, but 'sewn' is standard in written and descriptive contexts. in register.
Sewn: in British English it is pronounced /səʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /soʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have something sewn up (to have something completely under control or finalized)”
- “sewn into the lining (hidden or concealed)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SOWN seed growing into a plant; something SEWN is 'grown' together by thread.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATING IS WEAVING/SEWING (e.g., 'sewn into the fabric of society'); FINALIZATION IS CLOSING A SEAM (e.g., 'sew up a deal').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'sewn' correctly?