embroider

1 of 2

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯi-dər 

embroidered; embroidering im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)riŋ 

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

im-ˈbrȯi-dər-ər 

noun

embroiderer

2 of 2

noun

em·​broi·​der·​er -dərə(r) 

plural -s

: one that embroiders

Synonyms of embroider

Verb

• exaggerate
• pad
• color
• embellish

Examples of embroider in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The legendary Bayeux Tapestry detailing William of Normandy’s 1066 conquest of England was embroidered, most likely by nuns, in England about 1,000 years ago. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

The premium embroidered detailing on this blouse is worth far more than its $46 sale price suggests, making now the best time to snag it while the deal lasts. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

The show ended with a model wearing an ethereal-looking off-the-shoulder white gown with a sheer train and embroidered ferns. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026

The singer and actress arrived in a sculptural ivory jacket embroidered with crystals and cinched with an oversized black bow, paired with a fully beaded fringe skirt from the spring 2025 couture collection. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

Middle English embrawderer, from embrawderen, embrouderen to embroider + -er

First Known Use

Verb

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

Kids Definition

embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯid-ər 

embroidered; embroidering -(ə-)riŋ 

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

-ər-ər 

noun