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

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

Burch showed rich tapestry opera coats with coordinating heels, beaded secretary sweaters with high-slit pencil skirts and grandpa’s snuggly cords and sweaters done with a more luxurious, indulgent hand. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

Here, Fairchild Studio takes a look at 10 creatives’ work, which reflects the rich tapestry of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and their forward-thinking approach to fashion. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026

While the local Cuban community scrambled to find sponsors for the immigrants and take care of them, a wave of anti-immigration rose and threatened the vibrant thread Cubans brought to the tapestry of Miami. —Mary Damiano, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2026

The main sitting area, between the Coquille d’Or bar and the reception area, feels at once Art Deco and Arts & Crafts with its blend of old and modern– carpets with foliage motifs, a mix of travertine and oak, medieval tapestries and vintage Louis XIII-style armchairs. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

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

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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