hem Meaning & Definition
What Does Hem Mean?
As a symbol, hem means ISO 639-3 language code for Hemba. As an interjection, it means Used to fill in the gap of a pause with a vocalized sound. As a noun, it means An utterance or sound of the voice like "hem", often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.
Word Facts for Hem
| Part of speech | symbol, interjection, noun, verb, pronoun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //hɛm// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Plural | hems |
| Verb forms | hems, hemming, hemmed |
Hem Definition (Symbol)
- ISO 639-3 language code for Hemba.
Hem as an Interjection
- Used to fill in the gap of a pause with a vocalized sound.
Hem as a Noun
- An utterance or sound of the voice like "hem", often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.
Hem as a Verb
- To make the sound expressed by the word hem; to hesitate in speaking.
Noun
- The border of an article of clothing doubled back and stitched together to finish the edge and prevent it from fraying.
- A rim or margin of something.
- In sheet metal design, a rim or edge folded back on itself to create a smooth edge and to increase strength or rigidity.
Verb
- To make a hem.
- To put hem on an article of clothing, to edge or put a border on something.
- To shut in, enclose, confine; to surround something or someone in a confining way.
A small yard hemmed about by a tall hedge.
Hem as a Pronoun
- Obsolete form of 'em.
Verb
- (in sewing) To make a hem.
- : To surround something or someone in a confining way.
A small yard hemmed about by a tall hedge.
Pronoun
- Them (now only in unstressed position following a consonant).
Synonyms of Hem
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Hem synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Hem
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Hem in a Sentence
A small yard hemmed about by a tall hedge.
Word Forms & Grammar
hem
hem (plural hems)
hem (third-person singular simple present hems, present participle hemming, simple past and past participle hemmed)
Words That Rhyme With Hem
Origin of Hem
Origin 1: A sound uttered in imitation of clearing the throat (onomatopoeia)
Origin 2: From Middle English hem, hemm, in turn from Old English hem, of West Germanic origin, from Proto-West Germanic *hammjan from Proto-Germanic *hamjaną. Related to Middle High German hemmen (“to hem in”), Old Norse hemja (“to hem in, restrain”); outside of Germanic, to Armenian քամել (kʻamel, “to press, wring”), Russian ком (kom, “lump”).
Origin 3: The verb is from Middle English hemmen, from Old English hemman, from Proto-Germanic *hamjaną, or alternatively derived from the noun.
Origin 4: From Middle English hem, from Old English heom (“them”, dative), originally a dative plural form but in Middle English coming to serve as an accusative plural as well. More at 'em.
How to Pronounce Hem
Hem is pronounced //hɛm// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hem
Is hem a symbol or an interjection?
Hem is mainly used as a symbol, but it can also be used as an interjection, a noun, a verb and a pronoun.
What is the plural of hem?
The plural of hem is hems.
What is the past tense of hem?
The past tense of hem is hemmed. The present participle is hemming.