sewsew /soʊ/ ●●● verb (past tense sewed, past participle sewn /soʊn/ or sewed) [intransitive, transitive] to use a needle and thread to make or repair clothes, or to attach something such as a button to them: My mother taught me to sew. Can you sew a button on this shirt for me? [Origin: Old English siwian]sew up phrasal verb informal to gain control over a situation so that you are sure to win or get an advantage: The Republicans think they have the election sewn up.