English Explanatory Dictionary

hem

English dictionary entry

Meanings

intj
  1. Used to fill in the gap of a pause with a vocalized sound.
noun
  1. An utterance or sound of the voice like "hem", often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.
verb
  1. To make the sound expressed by the word hem; to hesitate in speaking.
noun
  1. The border of an article of clothing doubled back and stitched together to finish the edge and prevent it from fraying.
  2. A rim or margin of something.
  3. In sheet metal design, a rim or edge folded back on itself to create a smooth edge and to increase strength or rigidity.
verb
  1. To make a hem.
  2. To put hem on an article of clothing, to edge or put a border on something.
  3. To shut in, enclose, confine; to surround something or someone in a confining way.
pron
  1. Obsolete form of 'em.
name
  1. A surname.

Pronunciation

hĕm /hɛm/ /hɪm/ en-us-hem.ogg

Word forms

hem hems hemming hemmed

Etymology

A sound uttered in imitation of clearing the throat (onomatopoeia)

Related words

ahem haw

Derived words

hem and haw hem and hah hem up hemless hemline hem-line hemstitch kiss someone's hem kiss the hem of someone's garment rehem touch someone's hem touch the hem of someone's garment touch the hem of someone's robe unhem hem in hemmer
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