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

• 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

It is also embroidered and overprinted on a graphic T-shirt, and woven into a soft, tonal allover jacquard pattern in a silk blend. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025

Cushions are embroidered with flowers by Cape Town studio Casamento. —Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025

There’s also wide cuffs (one of which is tastefully embroidered with Djerf Avenue) and rounded hems at the front and back. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

The custom floor-length Atelier Versace gown was made navy crepe de chine, and featured a damier motif that was embroidered with black silk thread. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Aug. 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