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

There’s also a unique Star Cluster motif that is painted onto the passenger side of the dashboard and embroidered into the headrests and door panels. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025

From the other side of the arena, dressed in a white satin robe with his name embroidered on the back, walked Muhammad Ali. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025

The bodice was embroidered with black Miyuki micro-baguette beads. —Laney Crawley, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

This feminine moment inspired us for the shoes as well; working with silk satin in powdery boudoir shades, some embroidered with delicate embroidery that features little lingerie roses and satin bows, finished with soft suede soles, that come both in comfortable kitten heels and flats. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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