embroider

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

Synonyms of embroider

• exaggerate
• pad
• color
• embellish

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

For the Léopard de Nuit design in black and gold, large metal spots were individually embroidered to the base then overlayered with dark beads. —Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 27 Jan. 2026

Turn the pockets into a charming ornament that's embroidered with a meaningful message. —Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026

Woody Harrelson took the stage shortly after to share his memories of Redford while wearing not a cowboy hat but a baseball hat with a cannabis leaf embroidered on it. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026

At the bust and along the sides, the dress gained additional dimension with three French laces embroidered onto the main fabric. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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