embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯi-dər How to pronounce embroider (audio)
embroidered; embroidering im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce embroider (audio)

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 noun

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 Elsa Schiaparelli was known for embracing surrealism and avant-garde elements in her designs, as well as motifs that highlighted her love of astronomy and astrology; her famed 1938 Zodiac collection included a stunning cape embroidered with celestial objects. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024 The vintage sustainable linen napkins each are embroidered with a French adjective. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The thread number and stitch method are combined to make embroidering easy, and the pattern on the cloth is water soluble and disappears when exposed to water. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 The couple stepped out holding hands, with Watts, 55, wearing a Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 long black crepe dress, embroidered with geometric floral appliqués on a mesh background with puff sleeves. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 The Mariners’ sleeve patch is no longer embroidered. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 The three-day event, held in Lake Como, Italy, in July 2023, featured a custom newspaper with a front-page headline announcing the couple’s nuptials, candles hand-painted with the names of their guests, sweatshirts embroidered with their personalized logo and more. Rachel Simon, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 For example, the St. Louis Cardinals’ logo is no longer embroidered directly on the jersey. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024 Jamie chose the cut of one suit, and the design of another, then selected a custom green shade and lining—and even provided his own sketch to create the florals that would be embroidered on the garment. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embroider.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embroider was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near embroider

Cite this Entry

“Embroider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroider. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

embroider

verb
em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯid-ər How to pronounce embroider (audio)
embroidered; embroidering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce embroider (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embroider

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