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

• 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

Growing up in upstate New York, they were kept busy at home by their mother, Ruth, with a variety of activities that included crocheting, knitting, doing embroidery, building walls, planting trees and even beekeeping. —Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025

These days, a pair of jeans with embroidery or a unique wash can easily run you $300 or more, but Cider offers options with cool cutouts, bold colors, and on-trend details for under $100. —Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 18 Apr. 2025

Tiffany embraced the occasion with a flowing baby blue gown adorned with floral embroidery across the bust. —Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025

Shearling was a top trend, as well as feathers and embroideries, especially when used as dramatic trim. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025

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