embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯi-dər 

embroidered; embroidering im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to ornament with needlework

b

: to form with needlework

2

: to elaborate on : embellish

embroider a story

intransitive verb

1

: to make embroidery

2

: to provide embellishments : elaborate

embroiderer

im-ˈbrȯi-dər-ər 

noun

Synonyms

• color
• elaborate (on)
• embellish
• exaggerate
• hyperbolize
• magnify
• pad
• stretch

Examples of embroider in a Sentence

She embroidered tiny flowers on the baby's scarf.

a scarf embroidered with tiny flowers

He is known to embroider the truth about his service in the army.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than studding the cloth with gemstones, Lichtenberg tasked craftspeople with developing an embroidering technique that combines Italian gemstone mastery with French leather expertise in the hybrid jewel. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

Yesterday, for a performance at Rough Trade, Cyrus continued to embrace sparkle in a black halter top embroidered with sequins and a beaded fringe. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 June 2025

For the event in Paris, de Armas opted for a strapless black and white Louis Vuitton dress with a black bustier top with a white skirt, which had handmade silk flower petals embroidered onto it. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025

Players showered up, then slipped into Lululemon sweats embroidered with the Olde English D. The club filed out the door one player after another, marching on like this was business as usual. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English embroderen, from Anglo-French embrouder, from en- + brosder, brouder to embroider, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English brord point, byrst bristle

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯid-ər 

embroidered; embroidering -(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to make or fill in a design with needlework

2

: to decorate with needlework

3

: to add to the interest of (as a story) with details or by exaggerating

embroiderer

-ər-ər 

noun