embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯi-dər How to pronounce embroider (audio)
embroidered; embroidering im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce embroider (audio)

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The main event, however, was her veil, which was embroidered with colourful drawings from her children. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 Speaking of the clothes, Nivola attended the show dressed in a white cable knit sweater embroidered with pink tulips, white cargo shorts, a pearl necklace with floral charms and pink sunglasses and suede sneakers. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 June 2025 The final picture is a solo shot of Ocean Rain, sleepy and sweetly tucked into a coral blanket embroidered with her name. Clea Haran, Parents, 23 June 2025 Although, there was a pink goat embroidered on the baseball cap gifted to outgoing county manager Diorio by board Vice Chair Leigh Altman, who joined her fellow commissioners in praising Diorio for her candor, decisiveness and depth of knowledge. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for embroider

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embroider was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embroider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroider. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

embroider

verb
em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯid-ər How to pronounce embroider (audio)
embroidered; embroidering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce embroider (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embroider

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