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

One of the shots shared by the singer included a close-up of her lace halter neck gown, which features a heart embroidered with the pair's initials. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

These exclusive pieces, embroidered by Saudi artisans, will be showcased alongside Vivienne Westwood’s spring 2026 collection and select archival looks. —Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

It is deeply sewn into the fabric of the region’s culture, often quite literally, as many women inherit saris that are intricately embroidered with gold thread. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Layla Murray, who dates punter Matt Araiza, showed her game-day fit of jeans and a denim corset that had Araiza’s No. 14 embroidered on the front. —Kansas City Star, 28 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