Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

brocade

American  
[broh-keyd] / broʊˈkeɪd /

noun

  1. fabric woven with an elaborate design, especially one having a raised overall pattern.

verb (used with object)

brocaded, brocading

  1. to weave with a raised design or figure.

brocade British  
/ brəʊˈkeɪd /

noun

    1. a rich fabric woven with a raised design, often using gold or silver threads

    2. ( as modifier )

      brocade curtains
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to weave with such a design

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • unbrocaded adjective

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; broach

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.

Meanwhile local media praised von der Leyen's burgundy and gold brocade outfit -- a nod to Indian fashion.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Vestments made of intricate floral brocade in 1741, given by Louis XV, enrich the walls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

Best known for his use of lotus and peacock motifs, Bal used rich fabrics like velvet and brocade - his designs were elaborate, inspired by Indian grandeur and royalty.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

A few brocade throw pillows lie atop the spread to complete the earth-tone look.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2024

The master and his sons laughed as he wiped his face, but the twenty dollars went to new boots and a brocade coat like he’d seen some worthies wear in D.C.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

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.