needlepoint

noun

nee·​dle·​point ˈnē-dᵊl-ˌpȯint 

1

: lace worked with a needle over a paper pattern

2

: embroidery done on canvas usually in simple even stitches across counted threads

needlepoint adjective

needlepoint lace

needlepoint pillows

needlepoint intransitive verb

needlepointed; needlepointing

They passed the three hours needlepointing, reading and watching the Dodgers lose another game on TV.

—Robert Hilburn

Examples of needlepoint in a Sentence

She sold her needlepoint at the arts and crafts fair.

Her hobbies include knitting and needlepoint.

Recent Examples on the Web

Another slipper, this one with a skinny slingback strap, featured an intricate needlepoint design with red, yellow and blue enriching it — and more colorful needlepoints shoes came down the runway. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025

According to Yelp’s September Trends Report, Gen Z's interest in needlepoint canvas embroidery is on the rise as people seek comfort in crafts that combine artistry and nostalgia. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025

Over the course of 15 years, Carmella created about 100 varieties of needlepoint eyes (among other imagery) that Carney and Ross would finish with vintage frames and then sell, via their website and shop in Boston, to collectors around the world. —Rima Suqi, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

And at least in my corner of Instagram, needlepoint is the hottest girl in town. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for needlepoint

• counterpoint
• disappoint
• multipoint
• reappoint
• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint
• gunpoint

Kids Definition

needlepoint

noun

nee·​dle·​point ˈnēd-ᵊl-ˌpȯint 

: embroidery done on canvas or plastic usually in simple even stitches across counted threads