needlework

noun nee·dle·work \ ˈnē-dᵊl-ˌwərk \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of needlework

1 : work done with a needle; especially : work (such as embroidery) other than plain sewing

2 : the occupation of one who does needlework

—

needleworker

play \ˈnē-dᵊl-ˌwər-kər\ noun

See needlework defined for English-language learners

See needlework defined for kids

Examples of needlework in a Sentence

She showed us a sample of her needlework.
She still enjoys doing needlework.

Recent Examples of needlework from the Web

Sewn into each of these artworks are the souls and dreams and worries and cares of their artists, for to do needlework is to participate in the two big buzz-wordy trends of the moment: being mindful and meditating.

— sara clarkson, chicagotribune.com, "Clarkson: Patchwork Pathways quilt exhibit features local art and talent," 22 Mar. 2018
This extraordinary assemblage, the collection of an American woman, Deborah Neff, runs the gamut from the most modest, touching efforts—a mere sock and rag with eyes—to figures that demonstrate dazzling needlework skills.

— lynn yaeger, Vogue, "The Black Dolls on Showcase at a Parisian Gallery Have a Poignant Story to Tell," 16 Mar. 2018
Her favorite pursuits were needlework, bridge, golf and above all spending time with family and friends.

— hartford courant, courant.com, "Harriett J. Spear," 27 Feb. 2018
This includes much of her needlework, ranging from local trees to a shimmering African sunset inspired by the ending of a PBS program behind rolling final credits.

— paul jablow, Philly.com, "West Mount Airy homeowner creates a gallery of her life," 19 Feb. 2018
Milwaukee received high points for playing card games, cooking and knitting and needlework.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Cozy up, Milwaukee. That beer, euchre and knitting thing is working for you," 17 Jan. 2018
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the painting now resides, within a year nearly every home had a print, engraving or needlework version displayed on the mantel.

— gillian brockell, Washington Post, "How a painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas went 19th-century viral," 25 Dec. 2017
Among the lust objects on sale are crystal tumblers inlaid with gilt letters and symbols; ionic column-pottery candlesticks; and needlework cushions in geometric patterns.

— kitty greenwald, WSJ, "A Walking Tour of London’s Most Literary Quarter—with Pub Stops," 25 Dec. 2017
This Embellished Tory Tunic from Tory Burch boasts embroidery inspired by Romanian needlework.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "It's time to step up your loungewear game for the holidays. Here are our top picks," 15 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'needlework.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of needlework

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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needlework Synonyms

Synonyms

embroidery;

Related Words

crewel, cross-stitch, needlepoint;

fagoting (or faggoting), hemstitch, smocking;

fancywork;

NEEDLEWORK Defined for English Language Learners

needlework

noun

Definition of needlework for English Language Learners

: things that are made by hand with a needle and thread
: the activity or art of making needlework

NEEDLEWORK Defined for Kids

needlework

noun nee·dle·work \ ˈnē-dᵊl-ˌwərk \

Definition of needlework for Students

1 : things made by embroidery, knitting, or needlepoint

2 : the activity or art of making things by embroidery, knitting, or needlepoint

Learn More about needlework

See words that rhyme with needlework Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for needlework Spanish Central: Translation of needlework Nglish: Translation of needlework for Spanish speakers

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needlework

Definition of needlework

needleworker

Examples of needlework in a Sentence

Recent Examples of needlework from the Web

First Known Use of needlework

needlework Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

NEEDLEWORK Defined for English Language Learners

needlework

Definition of needlework for English Language Learners

NEEDLEWORK Defined for Kids

needlework

Definition of needlework for Students

Learn More about needlework

Seen and Heard

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