suede: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, used in everyday, fashion, retail, and manufacturing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “suede” mean?
A type of leather with a soft, napped surface, typically made from the underside of animal skin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of leather with a soft, napped surface, typically made from the underside of animal skin.
A fabric with a similar soft, brushed texture, often made of synthetic materials; anything resembling the texture or appearance of suede leather.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is spelled and used identically.
Connotations
Both associate it with luxury, fashion, and a specific tactile quality. It can imply higher maintenance (e.g., vulnerability to water).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “suede” in a Sentence
[made] of suede[pair] of suede [boots][jacket] in suede[clean/protect] suedeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suede” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artisan will suede the leather to achieve the desired texture.
- This material has been sueded for a softer feel.
American English
- The manufacturer suedes the hide to create the napped finish.
- They offer a service to suede your own leather jackets.
adjective
British English
- She bought a lovely suede skirt for the autumn.
- The car's suede interior felt luxurious.
American English
- He's looking for a brown suede jacket.
- The sofa came in a durable faux suede fabric.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail, fashion industry, and manufacturing specs (e.g., 'The fall line features suede accents').
Academic
Rare, except in material science, history of fashion, or design studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing clothing, footwear, furniture, or car interiors.
Technical
In leatherworking, refers specifically to the flesh side of a hide, sanded or napped.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suede”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suede”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suede”
- Misspelling as 'swade'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a suede' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'velour' or 'velvet', which are woven fabrics, not leather.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Traditionally, yes, but modern 'suede' or 'sueded' fabrics can be made from synthetic materials like polyester, giving a similar appearance and feel at a lower cost.
Both have a napped surface. Suede is made from the inner split of the hide, giving a softer, fuzzier nap. Nubuck is made from the outer, top-grain layer which is lightly sanded, resulting in a finer, more velvety nap and greater durability.
Use a specialist suede brush or eraser for dry dirt and stains. For deeper cleaning, specific suede shampoos and minimal water are recommended. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Yes, in technical or manufacturing contexts. To 'suede' means to finish leather or fabric to give it a soft, napped surface like suede.
A type of leather with a soft, napped surface, typically made from the underside of animal skin.
Suede is usually neutral, used in everyday, fashion, retail, and manufacturing contexts. in register.
Suede: in British English it is pronounced /sweɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /sweɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Walk a mile in my suede shoes (play on 'walk a mile in my shoes')”
- “Handle with kid suede (play on 'handle with kid gloves')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine SWEDen being a stylish country where everyone wears soft SWEDe jackets.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUEDE IS LUXURIOUS SOFTNESS / SUEDE IS VULNERABLE (e.g., 'Don't wear suede in the rain').
Practice
Quiz
What is suede primarily made from?