seamstress

/ˈsimstrɪs/

/ˈsimstrɪs/

Other forms: seamstresses

A seamstress is a person whose job involves sewing clothing. You could be a seamstress if you hem your own pants, but most seamstresses work in factories sewing garments using sewing machines.

Traditionally, a seamstress was a woman who sewed seams in clothes using a machine, or occasionally by hand. Seamstresses weren't considered as skilled as a dressmaker, who makes custom clothing, or a tailor, who alters clothes to fit a specific person. Each of these titles is a distinct job, but they are commonly used interchangeably. Some people use the newer, unisex term sewist instead of seamstress.

Definitions of seamstress

1. noun

   someone who makes or mends dresses
   synonyms: dressmaker, modiste, needlewoman, sempstress

   examples:

   Betsy Griscom Ross

   American seamstress said to have made the first American flag at the request of George Washington (1752-1836)

   type of:

   garment worker, garment-worker, garmentmaker

   a person who makes garments