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Definition of seamy

seamy

/ˈsiːmi/
sea · my
Adverb:seamily
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seamy Lexical Profile

seamy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Sordid, disreputable, and unpleasant; degraded or morally corrupt (often used in the phrase 'the seamy side').

Example

"The investigative journalist spent months documenting the seamy underside of the city's nightlife."

2

Showing or having rough, visible seams, ridges, or lines.

Example

"He turned the heavy wool coat inside out to inspect its seamy lining."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for seamy

• Nearby Words

seamlessness
seamoth
seamstress
seamy
sean
seance
seaplane

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century from the noun 'seam' and the suffix '-y'. The figurative sense of sordid or disreputable arose from Shakespeare's 'Othello' (1604), referring to the rough, unsightly underside of a garment where the stitched seams are visible.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Seamy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/seamy
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