tapestry

noun

tap·​es·​try ˈta-pə-strē How to pronounce tapestry (audio)
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 The two events weren’t directly connected, but they were connected in the tapestry of the neighborhood in which the people concerned lived and the families that were torn apart. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 This call invites artists who express themselves through photography and/or video, aiming to showcase the rich tapestry of Latin American perspectives. Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 Every surface was stacked with fine French porcelain dishes, exquisite linens and tapestries. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Introduction Clusters of hundreds or thousands of galaxies sit at the intersections of giant, crisscrossing filaments of matter that form the tapestry of the cosmos. Liz Kruesi, Quanta Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 The behavior of tarantulas is a complex tapestry of instinctual actions that reveal the sophistication of these solitary hunters. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 In the grand tapestry of urban transformation, A New Normal continues to weave inspiring narratives, challenging conventional norms, and providing tangible solutions for cities seeking a sustainable and impactful future. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Winkle’s later-life career change, a story dramatic in its details of risky business, sudden riches and an inauspicious demise, is just one colorful thread in the vast tapestry of the California marijuana black market that supplies much of America with high-grade, illicit pot. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Presented by Rolling Stone in partnership with KOOL, each story showcases facets of the New Orleans community that, together, weave the tapestry of Mardi Gras. Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tapestry.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tapestry was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tapestry

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

tapestry

noun
tap·​es·​try ˈtap-ə-strē How to pronounce tapestry (audio)
plural tapestries
: a heavy cloth that has designs or pictures woven into it and is used especially as a wall hanging
tapestried
-strēd
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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