brocade
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of brocade
1555–65; earlier brocado < Spanish < Italian broccato embossed (fabric), past participle of broccare, derivative of brocco twisted thread, shoot < Late Latin; see broach
Explanation
Brocade is a thick, weighty, fancy material with a raised pattern. You might see an opera singer wearing a dress made of brocade fabric, or you might see it used to create ornate silk cushions. Brocade comes from the Italian word brocco, meaning "twisted thread." Brocade fabric has a rich, ornate slightly old-fashioned feel to it. You might hear the word brocade used to describe the curtains in the homes of wealthy old women who may or may not have bodies or other horrible secrets in the unused upstairs rooms. Brocade can also be a verb that describes the action of weaving a design into fabric.
Vocabulary lists containing brocade
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
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"Love's Vocabulary," Vocabulary from the essay
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Pygmalion
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Cantonese, that woman’s name was 賀錦麗, which is pronounced Ho Gam-lai and means “Congratulate Brocade Beautiful.”
From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2024
In 2016, Broadcom acquired network gear maker Brocade Communications Systems Inc for $5.9 billion.
From Reuters • May 27, 2022
Brocade quilting on tops and accents on sleeves provided understated ornate touches.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 24, 2020
Brocade was his fabric of choice, and his hairdo was a feathered, back-swept crop in shimmering shades of honey blond.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2020
It would be acquired by Brocade for $3 billion in July 2008.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
