embroider

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

Synonyms

• color
• elaborate (on)
• embellish
• exaggerate
• hyperbolize
• magnify
• pad
• stretch

Examples of embroider in a Sentence

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

Elliot was dressed in a white and brown onesie with a bunny and two carrots embroidered on top of a pocket for the festive photo shoot. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Designed to bring some chi-chi to a seasonal tablescape, the collection features plates dusted with pollen-like dots and linens embroidered with bees and blooming tulips, each piece channelling the natural beauty of Daylesford’s Market Garden. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Each piece begins with a drawing, goes through a cycle of digital manipulation in Photoshop, then is embroidered and stretched like a canvas. —Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Apr. 2025

The exhibit includes hand-wove and embroidered textiles, apparel, blankets and adornments. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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