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

The cropped tweed top and matching pants were both embroidered with a bevy of black sequins. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Mar. 2026

In the morning room, Fromental wallpaper hand-embroidered with lily pads set the tone. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026

Her veil was embroidered with delicate florals, which mirrored the exquisite lace on her ballgown’s sleeves and bodice. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026

Portman’s outerwear was embroidered with the names of a number of female directors who were not nominated for best director, a reference to the fact that there was an all-male lineup that year. —Esther Zuckerman, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 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