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

Her own granddaughter's baptism dress included embroideries copied from that dress. — ABC News, 30 June 2026

In his second term, the president overhauled the Oval Office with gold embroidery, picture frames and decorations. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Espinal’s halter dress featured crystal embroidery throughout with a sheer fabric beneath that was emphasized at the skirt. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

To pick up the Global Icon award that year, Swift opted for a two-piece Miu Miu number with glittering embroidery. — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 27 June 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