tapestry

noun

tap·​es·​try ˈta-pə-strē How to pronounce tapestry (audio)
plural tapestries
1
a
: a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery and characterized by complicated pictorial designs
b
: a nonreversible imitation of tapestry used chiefly for upholstery
c
: embroidery on canvas resembling woven tapestry
needlepoint tapestry
2
: something resembling tapestry (as in complexity or richness of design)
nature's rich tapestry

Did you know?

Several languages weave through the history of tapestry, which comes from a Greek word meaning “carpet” and traveled through Anglo-French and Middle English before arriving in modern English in the 15th century. Tapestry originally referred to a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery, and characterized by complicated pictorial designs. It still does today, but the word has fittingly developed a “tapestry” of additional senses. It may describe a nonreversible imitation of tapestry used chiefly for upholstery, or embroidery on canvas resembling woven tapestry. It can also refer figuratively to anything made up of different parts, as in “nature’s rich tapestry.” Tapestry isn’t the only art word that’s developed a figurative “medley” sense; collage (“a work of art made by adhering pieces of different materials (such as paper, cloth, or wood) to a flat surface”) and mosaic (“a decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material (such as glass or ceramic) to form pictures or patterns”) are both used figuratively to mean “a collection of different things.”

Examples of tapestry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To fully grasp the creative tapestry of Kanyinsola Onalaja is to understand the instinct of a fashion alchemist. Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025 Perennial plants in the border add a rich tapestry of color and texture through foliage and flowers. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 July 2025 United States Spanning coast to coast, the United States dazzles with contrasts—where drive-thru diners and Michelin-star restaurants, rodeos and Broadway shows, all coexist in this 50-state tapestry. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 There, the grassy tapestry, uniformly maintained, clearly reveals the struggles of those who fight for the small amount of food available. Fabio Morábito, New Yorker, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tapestry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, modification of Anglo-French tapicerie, from tapit, tapis carpet, hanging, from Greek tapētion, diminutive of tapēt-, tapēs carpet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tapestry was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Tapestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tapestry. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

tapestry

noun
tap·​es·​try ˈtap-ə-strē How to pronounce tapestry (audio)
plural tapestries
: a heavy cloth that has designs or pictures woven into it and is used especially as a wall hanging
tapestried
-strēd
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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