embroider

[em-broi-der]

verb (used with object)

1. to decorate with ornamental needlework.

2. to produce or form in needlework.

3. to adorn or embellish rhetorically, especially with ornate language or fictitious details.

   He embroidered the account of the shipwreck to hold his listeners' interest.

   Synonyms: fancify, color, exaggerate, elaborate

verb (used without object)

1. to do embroidery.

2. to add embellishments; exaggerate (often followed by on orupon ).

embroider

/ ɪmˈbrɔɪdə /

verb

1. to do decorative needlework (upon)

2. to add fictitious or fanciful detail to (a story)

3. to add exaggerated or improbable details to (an account of an event, etc)

Other Word Forms

• embroiderer noun
• overembroider verb (used with object)
• unembroidered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroider¹

1350–1400; em- ¹ + broider; replacing Middle English embroderen, frequentative of embroden < Middle French embro ( u ) der, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + Old French brosder, derivative of brosd < Germanic ( brad )

Word History and Origins

Origin of embroider¹

C15: from Old French embroder; see em- _en- ¹ , _broider

Example Sentences

Burnt sage filled the air at one intersection, courtesy of a Danza Azteca group, while attendees — some in traditional embroidered dresses and shirts — relished the cumbia song blasting from a nearby radio.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of their faces, painted a ghostly white, were framed by embroidered Tejano hats — and one massive mariachi sombrero.

From Los Angeles Times

The coach handed out metal lunch pails and blue-collar work shirts customized with embroidered name tags to symbolize the team’s hard-working mentality.

From Los Angeles Times

But “Squid Game” is an original concept and a Korean drama embroidered with commentary about that society.

From Salon

Handknitted sculptures, embroidered weavings and a tufted rug adorn the guest room.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bedeck 
• decorate 
• embellish 
• knit 
• stitch