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

Some of the items customers can find are blouses, dresses, skirts, jumpsuits and sandals with regional Mexican floral embroidery. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025

Start a tactile, new hobby like knitting, crochet or embroidery. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 2 Dec. 2025

The two shoe models featured an intricate multi-layered embroidery of a large tiger and a mountain alongside Palace branding motifs. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025

Its textured embroidery provides the perfect accent piece for any sofa, bed, or chair, and the subtle red berries scattered throughout the design add a dash of holiday color. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 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