embroidery

noun

em·​broi·​dery im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)rē 

plural embroideries

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

Synonyms of embroidery

• needlework

Examples of embroidery in a Sentence

She learned embroidery from her grandmother.

His stories about his travels include a good deal of embroidery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her own granddaughter's baptism dress included embroideries copied from that dress. — ABC News, 30 June 2026

The dress also contained three-dimensional floral embroidery on the skirt for a romantic touch and was covered in sparkles, giving it a golden glow. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

But the Telegraph has reported that two test runs have been performed to assess the level of vibration the embroidery will be exposed to, and these have both been a success. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2026

Kocher’s designs push the boundaries of the durable material through feather work, hand embroidery, plissé drapery, floral constructions and sculptural fabric treatments. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

embroidery

noun

em·​broi·​dery im-ˈbrȯid-(ə-)rē 

plural embroideries

1

: the process or art of embroidering

2

: needlework done to decorate cloth