embroidery
[em-broi-duh-ree, -dree]
- 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.
- embroidered work or ornamentation.
- elaboration or embellishment, as in telling a story.
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Origin of embroidery
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for embroidery
Contemporary Examples
Vibrant color surfaced in textile and in beading and embroidery.
Mr. Soni created a range of white clothing and cushions with embroidery using safety pins, melted pearl beads, and fabric strips.
Have you sublimated your sexual urges by learning Latin and Embroidery?
A reference to former Attorney General John Mitchell, who had stepped down as CRP director, reveals another kind of embroidery.
The final dresses, in fuchsia with embroidery, appliqué, layering and all manner of technical wizardry were a Cinderella dream.
Historical Examples
Mrs. Raymount was sitting at the fireside with her embroidery.
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
When that was finished, the three superb pieces of embroidery were put in their places.
The DreamEmile Zola
When her embroidery gave her mind a moment's leisure, she was astonished not to see Felicien.
The DreamEmile Zola
These were trimmed with embroidery, and came down to my brown kid boots.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
Clotilde shrugged her shoulders, without lifting her eyes from her embroidery.
Doctor PascalEmile Zola
embroidery
- decorative needlework done usually on loosely woven cloth or canvas, often being a picture or pattern
- elaboration or exaggeration, esp in writing or reporting; embellishment
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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
Word Origin and History for embroidery
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper