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 of embroider

• exaggerate
• pad
• color
• embellish

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

Her 19th-century-style jacket was embroidered with a floral motif and was worn over a pair of light-wash straight jeans. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026

The Cotton Frise Knit Zip-Up Jacket is a deep brown sweater-like jacket with patches of both brands’ iconic logos on the front, and the subtle outline of a horse embroidered on the back. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026

The star-and-teardrop print is embroidered, giving it a three-dimensional effect which accentuates the unique pattern. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025

The dress was designed and embroidered by Vásquez in the style of the southern state of Oaxaca and sewn by Trujillo. —Arkansas Online, 14 Dec. 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