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

Bjork, however, went all-in on the look, posing on the cover of Vogue Scandinavia in the blurred tulle Margiela gown with a merkin wig, fashioned from real human hair and painstakingly embroidered to the crotch of an underlaid silk stocking bodysuit. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025

The dress was embroidered with black braids, silver beading and crystals that draped around Kardashian's hips, along with a long tassel that hung from a silver buckle down the front. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025

The knee socks and ballet flats complemented an ornate minidress, which was green organza with crystals embroidered all over the garment. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025

Sure, there were flashes of streetwear embroidered with palm trees. —Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 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