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

• 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

Accustomed to creating all of his prints, fabrics and embroidery, Halperin aims to make customers feel good about spending the money for his clothes. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025

In Mississippi, the Choctaw Indian Princess is crowned each year at the Choctaw Indian Fair, in which the contestants often make their own garments with elaborate beading and embroidery work. —Ayana Archie, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025

Fromental achieves this by pairing brushwork with hand-embroidery—and by refining its color palettes for modern sensibilities. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025

To construct the blush pink gown, Okunlola used chantilly lace under the tulle and hand-beaded the embroidery details. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

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