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

Brownell, who took the reins of the Netflix series for Season 3, wore two dainty white pocket squares embroidered with the initials E and F along with her elegant brown and maroon suit and gloves at the Season 4 red carpet premiere, which was held in Paris, France at the Palais Brongniart. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026

Obama's outfit consisted of a sleeveless high-neck top embroidered with tinsel-like sequins, as well as a form-fitting tweed pencil skirt trimmed with a flurry of fringe. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026

The nude mesh dress was strategically embroidered with pale pink flowers and sage green leaves, which bloomed over her body and around the hemline. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026

The dress' bodice is embroidered in multi-color crystals and sequins. —Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 12 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