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

Other jeans were decorated with swags of crystals and embroidery. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026

Searches for hobbies that can be taken outside to a park or on a train ride—like knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and painting—are up 136% over the past six months alone, while the company’s yarn accessory sales have grown 40% year-over-year. —Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026

Before sitting front row with fellow It girl Gabbriette Bechtel, Leon made a cheeky style statement in the revealing mesh floor-length skirt, which was covered in delicate floral embroidery and showed off her thong’s G-string on the side. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026

Beaded coats glinted with star-chart embroidery. —ABC News, 9 Mar. 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