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

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

Tongue-in-cheek elements stand out at the heart of the store, including a sofa embroidered to depict life-sized silhouettes of three nude bodies. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025

But by embroidering the drama of an American navigating Paris Fashion Week with stories of other women caught in the whirl, Winocour dilutes them all. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 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