stitch
stihch
Stitch (noun) means a single loop of thread made by a needle in sewing, knitting, or in closing a wound. Example: “The nurse put three stitches in the cut on his knee.”
noun
1
A single loop of thread made by a needle in sewing, knitting, or in closing a wound.
"The nurse put three stitches in the cut on his knee."
"She dropped a stitch while knitting the sleeve."
"Each stitch in the scarf was small and even."
2
A sudden sharp pain, especially in the side of the body, often brought on by running.
"He got a stitch halfway through the race and had to slow down."
"I always get a stitch when I run straight after lunch."
"Breathe deeply and press on your side to ease a stitch."
verb
1
To sew or join something using stitches.
"The tailor stitched the hem by hand."
"The surgeon stitched up the wound carefully."
"She stitched a small patch onto the knee of his jeans."
How to use stitch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA single loop of thread in sewing, a suture closing a wound, or a sudden sharp pain in your side.
Common mistake
On social media, "stitch" also means joining a clip of someone else's video onto your own — a newer, unrelated tech sense.
Common pairings
get stitches
a stitch in your side
stitch a wound
drop a stitch
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Word forms
- Plural
- stitches
- Third person singular
- stitches
- Past tense
- stitched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The nurse put three _____ in the cut on his knee.
Etymology
From Old English stiche, meaning "a prick, puncture, or sharp pain" — the same root gave us "stick."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for stitch
See all rhymes for stitch →Frequently asked questions
What does “stitch” mean?
The word “stitch” means a single loop of thread made by a needle in sewing, knitting, or in closing a wound. In plain terms, a single loop of thread in sewing, a suture closing a wound, or a sudden sharp pain in your side.
How do you pronounce “stitch”?
“Stitch” is pronounced stihch (/stɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stitch” in a sentence?
Here is “stitch” used in a sentence: “The nurse put three stitches in the cut on his knee.”
What part of speech is “stitch”?
Depending on how it is used, “stitch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stitch” come from?
The word “stitch” comes from Old English. From Old English stiche, meaning "a prick, puncture, or sharp pain" — the same root gave us "stick.".
Is “stitch” a common word?
“Stitch” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “stitch” have?
“Stitch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single loop of thread made by a needle in sewing, knitting, or in closing a wound.
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