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

This Morning, This Evening, a kind of tapestry film capturing bits of the lives of Black Americans living in Alabama. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024

But this demands a delicate equilibrium—one that accepts a pluralistic tapestry of groups and interests. —Guney Yildiz, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

In the grand tapestry of high-end jewelry, Roberto Coin is indeed a designer who not only understands his craft but reimagines it, leaving behind a trail sparkling with timeless allure. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024

Nestled in the heart of View Park-Windsor Hills, the restaurant is a love letter to the rich cultural tapestry of Black South Central L.A., offering patrons an elevated yet approachable space to indulge in fine dining while soaking in the area’s artistic and historic roots. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Nov. 2024

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