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

In Hollywood, Lily-Rose Depp continued her winning fashion streak of Chanel numbers with a silver slip dress with a netted and embroidered overlay. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2024

One look at its silk charmeuse jacket, wool gabardine pants embroidered with metallic thread, and lamb shearling coat lapels will put into question who the more stylish individual is: you or your new ursine companion. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 15 Dec. 2024

For her 30th birthday, Sullivan commissioned the team at Eva Joan Repair to embroider a tablecloth with the names of all her guests. —Mya Gelber, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024

Find these two in my shopping cart, embroidered with my favorite words and destinations. —Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 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