hem in
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To surround and enclose in a way that restricts movement.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
One of the loveliest rivers in Wales, the Teifi, loops and swirls down to Llanybyther through a lush valley hemmed in by range upon range of wooded hills.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “hem in” mean?
To surround and enclose in a way that restricts movement.
Is “hem in” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.