tapestry

noun

tap·​es·​try ˈta-pə-strē 

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

Examples of tapestry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each detail feels like an individual string that, when woven together, creates a tapestry of the diverse personal and culinary inspirations that Soto-Innes brings to each table. —Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

The eponymous designer drew inspiration from Japan, China, India and beyond to create the shimmering tapestry of his couture, marking its 20th anniversary. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 July 2025

The songwriter said a tapestry of sci-fi narratives became her reality, featuring time-traveling aliens, artificial realities, self-aware quantum computers and a struggle to save existence. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Manuel Antonio Just three hours from San José, Manuel Antonio offers filmmakers a rich tapestry of rainforest, coastline, and vibrant local life—all within a compact, accessible region. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 2 July 2025

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

Phrases Containing tapestry

• tapestry carpet

Kids Definition

tapestry

noun

tap·​es·​try ˈtap-ə-strē 

plural tapestries

: a heavy cloth that has designs or pictures woven into it and is used especially as a wall hanging

tapestried

-strēd

adjective