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

At this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week, DoorDash ignited a vibrant culinary celebration, showcasing the rich tapestry of local vendors available in Miami. —Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024

Here clearly wants to offer a prismatic look at a tapestry of human experience. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

These aren’t just collections–they’re stories in fabric and thread, creating a tapestry that resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders. —Chika Uwazie, Essence, 30 Oct. 2024

That’s Mary Livanos looking out for the larger tapestry of this family and the visual language, and Wanda and Billy having this thorny relationship with the larger public. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024

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