embroidery

noun

em·​broi·​dery im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)rē 

plural embroideries

1

a

: the art or process of forming decorative designs with hand or machine needlework

b

: a design or decoration formed by or as if by embroidery

c

: an object decorated with embroidery

2

: elaboration by use of decorative and often fictitious detail

3

: something pleasing or desirable but unimportant

considered the humanities mere educational embroidery

Synonyms

• needlework

Examples of embroidery in a Sentence

She learned embroidery from her grandmother.

His stories about his travels include a good deal of embroidery.

Recent Examples on the Web

The traditional wedding guest ensembles for women consist of a sari, a lehenga choli, or an Anarkali suit with intricate embroidery or embellishments. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024

From Yves Saint Laurent, there is a grand evening dress in black silk satin with red embroidery from the fall 1995 haute couture collection. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 6 Dec. 2024

The framed textile on the wall is a 19th-century Indian embroidery on silk from Emilie Jean of Xenomania, who happened to be Bacon’s best friend in elementary school. —Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Dec. 2024

Because the artist hand crafts each piece of embroidery, no two are exactly alike. —Mandy Shunnarah, Them, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

embroidery

noun

em·​broi·​dery im-ˈbrȯid-(ə-)rē 

plural embroideries

1

: the process or art of embroidering

2

: needlework done to decorate cloth