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

Cox, who’s been vacationing with Aniston and her boyfriend Jim Curtis off the coast of Mallorca, looked radiant in a white slip dress embroidered with floral designs. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026

There folks designed their own complimentary Scout Motors Stateside work shirts, choosing from an array of badges before turning over the button-downs to be custom embroidered. — Lori Majewski, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026

In addition, the intricate designs on the dress Diana wore were hand-embroidered by Elizabeth, whereas the fabric for the backup was ready-made. — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Supermodels Carol Gracias walked out in the first look — a sherwani jacket worn over an anarkali dress, carrying a briefcase embroidered with the map of India. — CNN Money, 30 July 2026

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