embroidery

em·broi·dery

noun \im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)rē\

plural em·broi·der·ies

Definition of EMBROIDERY

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>

Examples of EMBROIDERY

1. She learned embroidery from her grandmother.
2. His stories about his travels include a good deal of embroidery.

First Known Use of EMBROIDERY

14th century

Related to EMBROIDERY

Synonyms: needlework

Antonyms: meiosis, understatement

Related Words: crewel, cross-stitch, needlepoint; fagoting (or faggoting), hemstitch, smocking; fancywork

Near Antonyms: belittlement, disparagement, minimizing, poor-mouthing

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide