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

Artist Han Chao brings new life to vintage photographs and postcards by using hand embroidery. —Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026

In practice, that means 18th-century fabrics—enhanced by rich embroidery and patchwork—transformed into one-of-a-kind bags. —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026

Select Bay Area retail locations will offer Tailor Shop services, including team-color button swaps, chainstitch embroidery, splatter paint with stencils, foil treatments, and other options for creating one-of-a-kind fan gear. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2026

The singer wore Valentino’s Rockstud Pump with Plus de Pois embroidery. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 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