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

This one makes a pretty statement day or night with a scalloped V-neckline, eyelet embroidery down the front, and lace lantern sleeves. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Meister positions it over the ligament and sews it along the length like an embroidery stitch. —Lindsey Adler, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2025

The Vera Bradley design includes a bright and vibrant floral pattern on one side and a more subtle blue embroidery on the other. —Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025

All of this drama is captured in the embroidery, including Edward’s conversation with Harold, the wind guiding the sails on William’s ships toward England and the appearance of Halley’s Comet above the battlefield. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025

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