tapestry

noun

tap·​es·​try ˈta-pə-strē 

plural tapestries

1

a

: a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery and characterized by complicated pictorial designs

b

: a nonreversible imitation of tapestry used chiefly for upholstery

c

: embroidery on canvas resembling woven tapestry

needlepoint tapestry

2

: something resembling tapestry (as in complexity or richness of design)

nature's rich tapestry

Examples of tapestry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the early morning light, the garden stretches out in front of you, a tapestry of color and fragrance. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025

But Philomela learns to weave, creating a tapestry that tells the story of her assault. —Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025

The Hampton Court Great Hall scenes showing courtiers among the grand tapestries that Henry commissioned are rare and instantly transportive. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025

The bottom of the tapestry is littered with casualties. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, modification of Anglo-French tapicerie, from tapit, tapis carpet, hanging, from Greek tapētion, diminutive of tapēt-, tapēs carpet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tapestry

• tapestry carpet

Kids Definition

tapestry

noun

tap·​es·​try ˈtap-ə-strē 

plural tapestries

: a heavy cloth that has designs or pictures woven into it and is used especially as a wall hanging

tapestried

-strēd

adjective