darning

[ dahr-ning ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that darns. darn.
2. the result produced.
3. articles darned darn darned or to be darned. darn. darned.

Word History and Origins

Origin of darning¹

First recorded in 1605–15; darn ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

For instance, Fort Payne, Alabama was known at the beginning of the 20th century as the “Sock Capital of the World” because its textile mills produced over half the socks and hosiery worn in the United States; as a result, the city’s local Cracker Barrel features an entire wall adorned with items like industrial sock stretchers, darning needles and knitting machines.

From Salon

Crochet hooks, soda bottles, and darning needles were also used in attempts to end pregnancies.

From Salon

Straight backed and with birdlike poise, Homer French projects a pioneer self-sufficiency, as if she’d be equally capable of darning a sock, milking a goat or driving a horse-drawn cart.

From New York Times

It was first thought to be a darning tool and found with dozens of shoes.

From BBC

The seamstresses in Obama’s lineage worked for white families, making and fixing and darning their clothes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• patching
• tailoring