stitch

[ stich ]

noun

1. one complete movement of a threaded needle through a fabric or material such as to leave behind it a single loop or portion of thread, as in sewing, embroidery, or the surgical closing of wounds.
2. a loop or portion of thread disposed in place by one such movement in sewing:

   to rip out stitches.

3. a particular mode of disposing the thread in sewing or the style of work produced by one such method.
4. one complete movement of the needle or other implement used in knitting, crocheting, netting, tatting, etc.
5. the portion of work produced.
6. a thread, bit, or piece of any fabric or of clothing:

   to remove every stitch of clothes.

7. the least bit of anything:

   He wouldn't do a stitch of work.

8. a sudden, sharp pain, especially in the intercostal muscles:

   a stitch in the side.

verb (used with object)

1. to work upon, join, mend, or fasten with or as if with stitches; sew (often followed by together ):

   to stitch together flour sacks to make curtains; a plan that was barely stitched together.

2. to ornament or embellish with stitches:

   to stitch a shirt with a monogram.

verb (used without object)

1. to make stitches, join together, or sew.

stitch

/ stɪtʃ /

noun

1. a link made by drawing a thread through material by means of a needle
2. a loop of yarn formed around an implement used in knitting, crocheting, etc
3. a particular method of stitching or shape of stitch
4. a sharp spasmodic pain in the side resulting from running or exercising
5. informal.
   usually used with a negative the least fragment of clothing

   he wasn't wearing a stitch

6. agriculture the ridge between two furrows
7. drop a stitch
   to allow a loop of wool to fall off a knitting needle accidentally while knitting
8. in stitches informal.
   laughing uncontrollably

verb

1. tr to sew, fasten, etc, with stitches
2. intr to be engaged in sewing
3. tr to bind together (the leaves of a book, pamphlet, etc) with wire staples or thread

noun

1. an informal word for suture suture

Derived Forms

• ˈstitcher, noun

Other Words From

• stitcher noun
• stitchlike adjective
• re·stitch verb (used with object)
• un·stitch verb
• un·stitched adjective
• well-stitched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stitch¹

before 900; (noun) Middle English stiche, Old English stice a thrust, stab; cognate with German Stich prick; akin to stick ²; (v.) Middle English stichen to stab, pierce, derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stitch¹

Old English stice sting; related to Old Frisian steke, Old High German stih, Gothic stiks, Old Norse tikta sharp

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in stitches, convulsed with laughter:

   The comedian had us in stitches all evening.

More idioms and phrases containing stitch

In addition to the idiom beginning with stitch , also see in stitches ; without a stitch on .

Example Sentences

Previous research has shown that, in order to cope with cold temperatures in northern latitudes, humans likely created tailored garments with closely stitched seams, providing a barrier against the elements.

From Science Daily

After he was evacuated from the front, doctors stitched up a ruptured intestine, removed part of his colon, and plied him with antibiotics.

From Science Magazine

“That is like just a Band-Aid on a wound that needs stitching,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times

Then we're the ones who miss out when we don't wait, because Phoebe was the one who had everybody in stitches every day.

From Salon

"Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D'Unbelievables."

From BBC

Related Words

• fasten
• sew