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

Donning a shawl embroidered with floral patterns traditionally designed by women from Paete, her parents’ hometown, this Maria folds her arms in defiance, her face stern. —Hung Duong, Artforum, 18 June 2025

Designs and additions should be embroidered instead of painted or ironed onto the towel. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025

After Appeals Court Pauses Ruling A note to viewers who like historical dramas for the costumes, the art production in this drama is lovely and the hanboks are ornately embroidered. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Among lots from that spring 1984 collection is an ivory silk evening dress embroidered with gold sequins and draped for an antique effect. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 June 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