needlework

noun

nee·​dle·​work ˈnē-dᵊl-ˌwərk 

1

: work done with a needle

especially : work (such as embroidery) other than plain sewing

2

: the occupation of one who does needlework

needleworker

ˈnē-dᵊl-ˌwər-kər 

noun

Synonyms of needlework

• embroidery

Examples of needlework in a Sentence

She showed us a sample of her needlework.

She still enjoys doing needlework.

Recent Examples on the Web

Choose from hundreds of needlework designs at the shop's brick-and-mortar store or browse products online. —Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Dec. 2025

Needlepoint is a form of needlework in which yarn, typically wool, is stitched through a stiff open-weave canvas. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025

Down the mountain, Trinidad itself is a display of Cuban creativity, with findings that include intricate needlework and handcrafted woodwork. —Johnny Considine, Travel + Leisure, 18 Nov. 2025

Join fellow needlework and textile art enthusiasts to learn, craft and bring your projects to life or even make new friends! —Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for needlework

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• openwork
• overwork
• paperwork
• subnetwork
• artwork
• beadwork

Kids Definition

needlework

noun

nee·​dle·​work ˈnēd-ᵊl-ˌwərk 

: work done with a needle

especially : work (as embroidery) other than plain sewing