embroider

verb

em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯi-dər How to pronounce embroider (audio)
embroidered; embroidering im-ˈbrȯi-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce embroider (audio)

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Popular on Variety The simple storyline is embroidered with detail that makes the early segments engaging. Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 Here, those words are embroidered across the front of an unstructured, six-panel canvas ball cap in a typeface design created by Elisa Wong to brand the L.A. Times’ plants coverage. Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 Lawrence this week telegraphed her political allegiance in cloth, using a Realtree camouflage cap embroidered with the surnames of Harris and Tim Walz in neon orange stitching. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024 For the ultimate casual look, Holmes also held a Lands’ End medium five-pocket canvas tote bag in the color Heritage Red embroidered with her initials, KH for an outing. Chiara Kim, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embroider 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embroider was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near embroider

Cite this Entry

“Embroider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroider. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

embroider

verb
em·​broi·​der im-ˈbrȯid-ər How to pronounce embroider (audio)
embroidered; embroidering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce embroider (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embroider

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