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

New Delhi — For decades, India was relegated to fashion’s backyard, with its embroidery and garment export houses manufacturing everything from ready-to-wear to couture for the world’s biggest luxury brands. — CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Buyers can coordinate leather with a favorite briefcase, handbag or personal color reference, specify contrasting piping and request custom embroidery. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Think slip-ons with rivets or studs, flats adorned with pearls, or sneakers with dainty floral embroidery. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

In episode five, Garner sports a classic black sundress with contrasting white embroidery detailing. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 25 July 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