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

The embroidery and lace details are so pretty and whimsical, yet feel a touch more understated than an all-over print. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Her scrolled embroideries have since been described as tirades, rants, and screeds—no horses or cables, just the language pummeling the eye. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

The flap closure of her inexpressibles bore the name fanny sewell mounsey in yellow-gray embroidery floss. — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

In India, Micato has been known to arrange private viewings of embroidery workshops, even flying local Kashmiri craftsmen (famous for their embroidery work) to Delhi to demonstrate live for guests. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 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