embroidery

noun

em·​broi·​dery im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)rē 

plural embroideries

1

a

: the art or process of forming decorative designs with hand or machine needlework

b

: a design or decoration formed by or as if by embroidery

c

: an object decorated with embroidery

2

: elaboration by use of decorative and often fictitious detail

3

: something pleasing or desirable but unimportant

considered the humanities mere educational embroidery

Synonyms of embroidery

• needlework

Examples of embroidery in a Sentence

She learned embroidery from her grandmother.

His stories about his travels include a good deal of embroidery.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is adorned with two oval inlaid embroidery inserts accented with rhinestones and set off by a yellow lining, depicting the encounter between a woman seated in profile and a small Cupid. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

The embroidery follows Apple’s use of stop-motion animation campaigns for the Mac mini and Apple Games, which also followed the route of showing the humans at work behind the animation. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026

Rich color, decoration, and texture are returning — lace, embroidery, sequins — but they are integrated into lightweight fabrics, softer colors, and relaxed silhouettes. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

Many young women first encountered writing not through ink and paper but through embroidery. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

embroidery

noun

em·​broi·​dery im-ˈbrȯid-(ə-)rē 

plural embroideries

1

: the process or art of embroidering

2

: needlework done to decorate cloth