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)
Synonyms of embroider

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 How to pronounce embroider (audio)
noun

Synonyms of embroider

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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.
The Sling bag is embroidered with the Adanola x Hailey Bieber logo. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The blurry photo features Langley showing off her toned body in a yellow string bikini with Palm Trees embroidered on them. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Despite the rebuild and expansion of the brand’s ready-to-wear network, Lantink still sent out numerous silhouettes featuring the iconic cone bras and a skirt embroidered with loud bells, alongside other couture-like pieces. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026 The blue, orange and silver belt with Empower Field embroidered on it, is passed out by the coaching staff each week. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

embroglio
embroider
embroidered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embroider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embroider. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
-ər-ər How to pronounce embroider (audio)
noun
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