brocade

noun bro·cade \ brō-ˈkād \

Updated on: 10 May 2018

Definition of brocade

1 : a rich silk fabric with raised patterns in gold and silver

2 : a fabric characterized by raised designs

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brocade

transitive verb

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brocaded

adjective

See brocade defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of brocade from the Web

Leto upped the religious ante by pairing his suit with a floral brocade stole that was reminiscent of the clergy stoles that priests often wear, as well as a golden crown fit for a saint that sat on his flowing, shoulder-length locks.

— cady lang, Time, "Jared Leto Predictably Channels Jesus Christ at the 2018 Met Gala," 8 May 2018
Lead Image Credit: Prada poplin shirt, $780 and brocade dress, $2,620 at Prada.

— carina chocano, The Cut, "Melissa Barrera Is New in Town," 4 May 2018
There is silk, brocade, embroidery, and more, with silhouettes that travel from mid-calf to ankle, including long-sleeved blouses, dresses, and the like.

— avery matera, Teen Vogue, "H&M Launches Modest Fashion Line LTD," 2 May 2018
At the pageant, children sat cross-legged in the dirt, crowded close to the spindly stage where the contestants spun and danced in red feather headdresses, gold brocade and clouds of tulle.

— aurora almendral, New York Times, "A Transgender Paradox, and Platform, in the Philippines," 29 Apr. 2018
As guests made their way out, each was given a free hardback copy of the pale beige-coloured work wrapped in red cloth tied with gold brocade, together with a bookmark made of card with Mr Xi’s smiling portrait on it.

— The Economist, "Xi Jinping’s new blockbuster is getting a hard sell," 26 Apr. 2018
For the first leg of his tour, which kicked off in the fall of 2017, the pop star wore heavy brocade suits, bell-bottoms, and open shirts that called to mind a number of music and style legends, from David Bowie and Elvis Presley to Freddie Mercury.

— megan gustashaw, GQ, "Harry Styles Is Dressing Like Michael Jackson Now," 13 Apr. 2018
Many of the season’s ready-to-wear pieces reference period textiles like chinoiserie and brocade, with additional textural layering from leather, knits and plumage.

— sophia markoulakis, San Francisco Chronicle, "Style Pairing: Dare to wear patterns," 1 Feb. 2018
Ron Yarbrough's tartan pants were en pointe, while others used black as a backdrop for brocade, charm bracelets, sparkle and more.

— sue strachan, NOLA.com, "Party frocks to celebrate the holidays year round," 18 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brocade.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of brocade

Spanish brocado, from Catalan brocat, from Italian broccato, from broccare to spur, brocade, from brocco small nail, from Latin broccus projecting

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1588

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Textiles Terms

batt, bias, duck, flock, lawn, toile

BROCADE Defined for English Language Learners

brocade

noun

Definition of brocade for English Language Learners

: a cloth with a raised design in gold or silver thread

BROCADE Defined for Kids

brocade

noun bro·cade \ brō-ˈkād \

Definition of brocade for Students

: a cloth with a raised design woven into it

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brocaded

adjective

Learn More about brocade

See words that rhyme with brocade Spanish Central: Translation of brocade Nglish: Translation of brocade for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of brocade for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about brocade

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