needlepoint

[need-l-point]

noun

1. embroidery upon canvas, usually with uniform spacing of stitches in a pattern.

adjective

1. done or executed in needlepoint.

   a needlepoint cushion.

2. noting a lace needlepoint lace in which a needle works out the design upon parchment or paper.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to execute or create in needlepoint.

   to needlepoint an evening bag; to needlepoint as a hobby.

needlepoint

/ ˈniːdəlˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. embroidery done on canvas with the same stitch throughout so as to resemble tapestry

2. another name for point lace

Other Word Forms

• needlepointer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of needlepoint¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; needle + point

Example Sentences

She was reported to fill her time with needlepoint and bookkeeping duties, and was paroled in 2007 at the age of 77 from a low-security federal facility for women in Dublin, east of San Francisco.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Inside Dorothy’s Kansan house, a once-shadowed frying pan on the wall now dangles front and center, as does a digitally added “Home Sweet Home” needlepoint nailed to the threshold.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During an art residency last year in a former castle in the Umbrian countryside, the textile artist Liz Collins sat in her temporary studio stitching a needlepoint.

Read more on New York Times

She gave the actor a “beautiful needlepoint pillow” and they’ve spoken over the phone about their favorite cop shows.

Read more on Seattle Times

The two also became business partners, opening a needlepoint shop on the Upper East Side called 2 Needles.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• brocade 
• decoration 
• lace 
• quilting 
• tapestry