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

For her wedding ceremony, Kate wore a tulle, off-the-shoulder gown with her initials embroidered on it. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 14 July 2025

Her name embroidered in white across her bunk in Bubble Inn. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 14 July 2025

Inside the living room, plush furnishings reflect the locale, with ocean-blue throw pillows embroidered in warm coral tones—small but intentional details that complement Onna Village’s elemental palette. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

The tapestry features 58 scenes, 626 characters and 202 horses embroidered on linen with wool thread. —Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 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