embroider

verb

em·broi·der | \ im-ˈbrȯi-dər

embroidered; embroidering\ im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)riŋ

Definition of embroider

transitive verb

1a : 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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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

Pick from three colors (including natural and seafoam), all with a luxe embroidered design. — Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, "The 5 Best Bed-in-a-Bag Sets You Can Buy," 24 Dec. 2018 Inside you’ll find embroidered AEV logos on the floor liners and front headrests. — Anthony Alaniz, Popular Mechanics, "The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Is a Beefy Factory-Built Off-Road Adventure Truck," 6 Sep. 2018 At 18-feet-tall, the Fraser Fir from North Carolina is decorated with over 500 feet of blue velvet ribbon embroidered in gold with each state and territory's name. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Melania Trump Just Unveiled This Year's White House Christmas Decorations," 26 Nov. 2018 Meanwhile, Rachelle Hruska MacPherson turned her hobby of embroidering cashmere sweaters into a business focused on fair trade and ethical labor practices in 2016. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Show You "Give a Damn" With This New Bag Benefitting She Should Run," 5 Oct. 2018 The pleated goddess gown has a bodice densely embroidered in gold, almost like chic armor, and extras include a custom Versace clutch handbag, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and vintage jewelry from Beladora. — Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, "Lupita Nyong'o's 'Black Panther' Premiere Gown Is 'Warrior-Inspired'," 30 Jan. 2018 The Harris's gave each member of Daniel's family t-shirts with Toby's name embroidered in a heart across the chest. — Nesa Mangal, Good Housekeeping, "Mother Hears Her Baby's Heart Beat Inside a 2-Year-Old Boy," 18 Mar. 2016 Wearing a costume with a small, close-fitting blazer and embroidered with a flower, mirroring Charlie Chaplin's iconic look, Fernandez performed to the soundtrack of Chaplin's 1936 film Modern Times during the men's shorts program. — Katie Kilkenny, Billboard, "Javier Fernandez Channels Charlie Chaplin During Olympics Figure Skating Competition," 16 Feb. 2018 The myriad interlocking crystal embroideries, meanwhile, were said to mirror cobblestones and netted tulle, embroidered with gold, evoked lovers’ padlocks on the Pont des Arts (that were famously banned by Paris authorities). — Thomas Adamson, The Seattle Times, "Chanel recreates Paris for couture show celebrating the city," 3 July 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.

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Last Updated

6 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for embroider

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

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More Definitions for embroider

embroider

verb

English Language Learners Definition of embroider

: to sew a design on a piece of cloth

: to make (a story, the truth, etc.) more interesting by adding details that are not true or accurate

See the full definition for embroider in the English Language Learners Dictionary

embroider

verb

em·broi·der | \ im-ˈbrȯi-dər

embroidered; embroidering

Kids Definition of embroider

1 : to make with needlework She embroidered her initials.

2 : to decorate with needlework I'm embroidering a tablecloth.

3 : to make more interesting by exaggerating or adding details The story had been … embroidered in so many places, that nobody was quite sure what the truth was anymore.— J. K. Rowling, Goblet of Fire