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

The three-time AMA winner then kicked off her hosting duties in a plunging Swarovski crystal embroidered Miss Sohee halter-neck gown in white and silver with a daringly high slit up the front. —Rachel Flynn, People.com, 27 May 2025

Women wear Lilly Pulitzer-style shift dresses and headbands en masse, while men wear colorful blazers embroidered with ducks or lobsters (as well as a lot of Brooks Brothers). —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 23 May 2025

Various other touches inside and out, like a design embroidered into the seats, complete the cars, as does a Q badge to denote that the car was designed by Q by Aston Martin. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 21 May 2025

It was embroidered with red crosses signifying the nails used to crucify Jesus Christ. —Nbc News, NBC news, 18 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