embroidery

American  

[em-broi-duh-ree, -dree] / ɛmˈbrɔɪ də ri, -dri /

noun

PLURAL

embroideries

1. the art of working raised and ornamental designs in threads of silk, cotton, gold, silver, or other material, upon any woven fabric, leather, paper, etc., with a needle.

2. embroidered work or ornamentation.

3. elaboration or embellishment, as in telling a story.

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embroidery British  

/ ɪmˈbrɔɪdərɪ /

noun

1. decorative needlework done usually on loosely woven cloth or canvas, often being a picture or pattern

2. elaboration or exaggeration, esp in writing or reporting; embellishment

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Etymology

Origin of embroidery

1350–1400; Middle English embrouderie needlework on cloth < Middle French embroud ( er ) + Middle English -erie -ery; oi from embroider

Compare meaning

How does embroidery compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cross-stitch vs. embroidery

Example Sentences

Members of the group spent six hours crafting each stocking, using hand embroidery, piping and seam-matching skills.

From BBC

The collection was then tucked away into FIDM’s archives until Frank’s colleague posted one of the blazers on Instagram, highlighting the garment’s mesh of “Victorian-style piecework and embroidery with precision mitered tailoring.”

From Los Angeles Times

Couture brings out the best the industry has to offer, from embroidery and lace to metalwork and diamonds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Next, she pulls down some of her favorite Eastern European dresses, with traditional embroidery, from countries such as Hungary and Poland.

From Los Angeles Times

The huge embroidery - which is widely believed to have been created in Kent - will be displayed in London from next autumn until July 2027.

From BBC

Related Words

• brocade
• decoration
• lace
• needlepoint
• quilting
• tapestry