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

Ljubljana Festival in 2025 continues its legacy as Slovenia's premier cultural event, offering a rich tapestry of performances and exhibitions that span classical music, opera, ballet, jazz, and contemporary theatre. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Together, these exhibitions form a rich tapestry of artistic thought that bridges the personal and the political, the historical and the contemporary. —Okla Jones, Essence, 4 June 2025

Each brings their own personality, style, and background to the Monster High universe, creating a rich tapestry of monster heritage and high school drama. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 June 2025

The festival is a tapestry of bleak moments and feelings that can be presented in all types of cinema, including the occasional comedy. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 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