Definition of hem

hemnoun

HEM

/hem//hem/

The word "hem" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled "ham" and meant "edge" or "border." This root word is related to the Old Norse word "hamr," which also meant "edge" or "boundary." In Middle English, the word "hem" was spelled "hamme" and had a few different meanings. It could refer to the edge or border of a piece of fabric, as well as the edge or rim of an object like a cup or vessel. The meaning specific to the edge of a piece of fabric began to take shape during this time, as people started to distinguish between the "bodice" or main part of a garment and the "hem" or edge of the fabric where it was sewn together. Over time, the spelling of the word "hem" evolved. In Early Modern English (1500-1800), it was spelled "hymne" or "hemme" and referred specifically to the edge of a garment, especially for clothing items such as skirts, dresses, and pants. Today, the spelling of "hem" has simplified, and it is commonly recognized as the edge of a garment or textile, where it is often finished with a decorative or practical treatment like a fold, tuck, or stitch.

namespace
Example:
  • The hem of her dress brushed against the floor as she walked.

    Viền váy của cô chạm vào sàn khi cô bước đi.

  • I needed to let down the hem of my pants to avoid tripping.

    Tôi cần phải kéo gấu quần xuống để tránh bị vấp ngã.

  • The tailor asked me to try on the suit so he could adjust the hem.

    Người thợ may đã yêu cầu tôi thử bộ đồ để anh ấy có thể điều chỉnh viền áo.

  • The long hem of my robe provided enough fabric for me to wrap around myself.

    Chiếc áo choàng dài của tôi có đủ vải để quấn quanh người.

  • I accidentally ripped the hem of my shirt while mowing the lawn.

    Tôi vô tình làm rách gấu áo khi đang cắt cỏ.

  • The color of the hem contrasted dramatically with the rest of the dress.

    Màu sắc của viền váy tương phản rõ rệt với phần còn lại của chiếc váy.

  • She added a wide hem to the bottom of her pants for a more flared look.

    Cô ấy thêm một đường viền rộng vào dưới quần để trông loe hơn.

  • I noticed the hem of his sweater was frayed and suggested he get it fixed.

    Tôi nhận thấy viền áo len của anh ấy bị sờn và gợi ý anh ấy nên sửa lại.

  • The leather hem of my boots cracked as I stepped into the snow.

    Viền da của đôi bốt của tôi nứt ra khi tôi bước vào tuyết.

  • She paused to make sure the hem of her coat was straight before entering the building.

    Cô dừng lại để chắc chắn rằng viền áo khoác đã thẳng trước khi bước vào tòa nhà.

Related words and phrases