hem

¹

[ hem ]

verb (used with object)

, hemmed, hem·ming.

1. to fold back and sew down the edge of (cloth, a garment, etc.); form an edge or border on or around.
2. to enclose or confine (usually followed by in, around, or about ):

   hemmed in by enemies.

noun

1. an edge made by folding back the margin of cloth and sewing it down.
2. the edge or border of a garment, drape, etc., especially at the bottom.
3. the edge, border, or margin of anything.
4. Architecture. the raised edge forming the volute of an Ionic capital.

hem

²

[ hem ]

interjection

1. (an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.)

noun

1. the utterance or sound of “hem.”
2. a sound or pause of hesitation:

   His sermon was full of hems and haws.

verb (used without object)

, hemmed, hem·ming.

1. to utter the sound “hem.”
2. to hesitate in speaking.

hem-

³

1. variant of hemo- before a vowel:

   hemal.

hem-

¹

combining_form

1. a US variant of haemo-

hem

²

/ hɛm /

noun

1. a representation of the sound of clearing the throat, used to gain attention, express hesitation, etc

verb

1. intr to utter this sound
2. hem and haw or hum and haw
   to hesitate in speaking or in making a decision

hem

³

/ hɛm /

noun

1. an edge to a piece of cloth, made by folding the raw edge under and stitching it down
2. short for hemline

verb

1. to provide with a hem
2. usually foll byin, around, or about to enclose or confine

Word History and Origins

Origin of hem¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English hem(e), Old English hem, probably akin to ham “piece of enclosed land, enclosure”; home

Origin of hem²

First recorded in 1520–30; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of hem¹

Old English hemm; related to Old Frisian hemme enclosed land

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hem and haw,
   1. to hesitate or falter:

      She hemmed and hawed a lot before she came to the point.

   2. to speak noncommittally; avoid giving a direct answer:

      He hems and haws and comes out on both sides of every question.

Example Sentences

Maybe the hem on the pants is too long.

From Los Angeles Times

The whole world is awash in scammy supplements and overpriced, ineffective diet plans, none of which is subject to the regulation or research requirements that hem in, however imperfectly, the pharmaceutical industry.

From Salon

As Gracie Abrams roamed the Greek Theatre stage Monday, the pit dwellers’ outstretched arms resembled flames licking the hem of her sheer black maxi skirt.

From Los Angeles Times

As I planned my wedding, I knew that I didn’t want a sweetheart neckline or a tea-length hem.

From Los Angeles Times

As I planned my wedding, I knew that I didn’t want a sweetheart neckline or a tea-length hem.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• skirt