embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯi-dər 

embroidered; embroidering im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to ornament with needlework

b

: to form with needlework

2

: to elaborate on : embellish

embroider a story

intransitive verb

1

: to make embroidery

2

: to provide embellishments : elaborate

embroiderer

im-ˈbrȯi-dər-ər 

noun

Synonyms

• color
• elaborate (on)
• embellish
• exaggerate
• hyperbolize
• magnify
• pad
• stretch

Examples of embroider in a Sentence

She embroidered tiny flowers on the baby's scarf.

a scarf embroidered with tiny flowers

He is known to embroider the truth about his service in the army.

Recent Examples on the Web

There were workplace injuries caused by the machinery, including fingers punctured by the embroidering machinery, the lawsuit claims. —Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 27 June 2024

The hem was cut on the wonk, and the fabric had been embroidered with glitch-effect florals. —Daniel Rodgers, Glamour, 26 June 2024

Which meant that what so many of us think of as haute couture—insane levels of beading and feathering and embroidering and all that jazz—are really not part of Di Felice’s vision. —Mark Holgate, Vogue, 25 June 2024

The plunging silk jersey dress featured a dramatic slit, a dip in the back and crystal embroidered details. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English embroderen, from Anglo-French embrouder, from en- + brosder, brouder to embroider, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English brord point, byrst bristle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯid-ər 

embroidered; embroidering -(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to make or fill in a design with needlework

2

: to decorate with needlework

3

: to add to the interest of (as a story) with details or by exaggerating

embroiderer

-ər-ər 

noun