embroider

verb em·broi·der \ im-ˈbrȯi-dər \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of embroider

embroidered; embroidering play \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

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embroiderer

play \im-ˈbrȯi-dər-ər\ noun

See embroider defined for English-language learners

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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 of embroider from the Web

All of the vests provided by Spike's K-9 fund are embroidered with K-9 Krijger’s service number to keep his memory alive.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Virginia students buy Springfield Twp. K-9 a protective vest," 10 Apr. 2018
The only available luggage tag was embroidered, with leather trim.

— teddy greenstein, chicagotribune.com, "Ball marks, luggage tags and key chains: A golf shop like no other feeds my Masters obsession," 3 Apr. 2018
Fendi embroidered fitted sweater $790, Fendi Buy Now Tom Ford slim cotton sateen jeans $650, Tom Ford Buy Now Anderson & Sheppard Cotton Sweater $330, Mr.

— the editors of gq, GQ, "How to Wear Pink the Right Way, Right Now," 30 Mar. 2018
But the most eye-catching flowers were of the crystal variety, which were embroidered on Kardashian's figure-hugging blush mini-dress.

— refinery29.com, "Khloé Kardashian Hosted The Pinkest Baby Shower Ever & Yes, It Was Sponsored," 11 Mar. 2018
The wildflower fabrics are sheer or linen, printed or embroidered.

— diane cowen, Houston Chronicle, "Big-hearted designer’s quirky talent elevates furnishings to art," 9 Feb. 2018
The company's big hospitality tent often featured a large Under Armour logo emblazoned on its roof, and trainers were sometimes given gift bags featuring Under Armour jackets embroidered with the Preakness logo.

— jeff barker, baltimoresun.com, "Under Armour dropping hospitality events at Preakness," 23 Mar. 2018
Baseball Is Stylish Now Photo Illustration/Getty Images Mirrored shades, knee-high socks, embroidered mocknecks: bad jock style is secretly high fashion.

— megan gustashaw, GQ, "Baseball Is Stylish Now," 13 Mar. 2018
Seats are trimmed in suede with red accent stitching, and floor mats are custom embroidered.

— phoebe wall howard, USA TODAY, "2019 Ford Mustang GT California Special adds muscle to lineup," 12 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'embroider.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of embroider

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year