embroider

1 of 2

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

embroiderer

2 of 2

noun

em·​broi·​der·​er -dərə(r) 

plural -s

: one that embroiders

Synonyms of embroider

Verb

• exaggerate
• pad
• color
• embellish

Examples of embroider in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The two styles are both hand-embroidered with a Japanese anemone floral on linen, recalling the needlework and textile traditions of the Georgian era. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

The four-meter-long veil, which was intricately embroidered with crystals and micro-beads forming star constellations, was a nod to Dove’s middle name, Celeste. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Teyana Taylor Presenter Teyana Taylor kept her style streak going strong in a sheer black Zuhair Murad Couture coat-gown with a fully embroidered with feather hem, cuffs and collar plus Thom Solo platforms. — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

It was layered and ruched with bows; printed with graphic sketching; dip-dyed to resemble a Rothko painting; and embroidered all over with crystals. — Scarlett Conlon, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

Middle English embrawderer, from embrawderen, embrouderen to embroider + -er

First Known Use

Verb

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