embroidery

[ em-broi-duh-ree, -dree ]

/ ɛmˈbrɔɪ də ri, -dri /

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See synonyms for embroidery on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural em·broi·der·ies.

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

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

Words nearby embroidery

embrocate, embrocation, embroglio, embroider, embroideress, embroidery, embroidery needle, embroil, embroiled, embrown, embrue

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use embroidery in a sentence

The platform has enabled more than 400 artists to sell their handmade pottery, embroidery and jewellery to people around the world.
How Afghan E-Commerce Startup Aseel Is Pivoting to Help Its Compatriots In Need|Abhishyant Kidangoor|October 19, 2021|Time
The class will be taught by Wafa Ghnaim who began her training in embroidery with her mother at age 2.
Must-attend events in D.C. this fall|Tinashe Chingarande|September 16, 2021|Washington Blade
This embroidery brand, which began in Brooklyn in 2007 and has since expanded to an office in Wyoming, creates designs that demonstrate a love of wildlife and outdoor fun.
The Gear Our Editors Loved in June|The Editors|July 2, 2021|Outside Online
Jayes, a behavioral health therapist, is also an urban farmer and embroidery artist.
One non-binary person’s perspective on how to transition thoughtfully and safely|Special to the Washington Blade|June 16, 2021|Washington Blade

Yesterday, somebody left a leaf inside with beautiful embroidery sewn down the side of it.
It’s like a Little Free Library, but there’s art inside. People are flocking to it, tiny art in hand.|Cathy Free|January 19, 2021|Washington Post
Vibrant color surfaced in textile and in beading and embroidery.
How World Wars Made Females More Androgynous|Liza Foreman|July 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The 30-piece collection is for on-trend tots, with details including lace, gilded embroidery, and peplums.
Russia Bans Lace Panties; Kardashians Launch Kids' Clothing Line|The Fashion Beast Team|February 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mr. Soni created a range of white clothing and cushions with embroidery using safety pins, melted pearl beads, and fabric strips.
High Fashion Made in India|Liza Foreman|February 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Have you sublimated your sexual urges by learning Latin and Embroidery?
Penis Beakers and Constipated Dolls: What Mothers REALLY Want To Know|Tom Sykes|October 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The bead embroidery on the back of her coat said “Revolution.”
Ilya Yashin & Ksenia Sobchak, the Russian Opposition’s Romeo & Juliet|Anna Nemtsova|December 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She rose comforted, and drawing the baby's cradle out into the veranda, seated herself at her embroidery.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
Anyway there was a lot of embroidery on it, full of little holes, which somehow contrived to be extraordinarily fetching.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
The Ambassador's hotel was constantly thronged from morning to night by visitors in plumes and embroidery.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay
Betty heard her greet the man, and then slipped off to her own room and picked up some half-finished embroidery.
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle|Laura Lee Hope
He talked with me about his suit, which was made in France, and cost him L200, and very rich it is with embroidery.
Diary of Samuel Pepys, Complete|Samuel Pepys

British Dictionary definitions for embroidery

embroidery

/ (ɪmˈbrɔɪdərɪ) /

noun plural -deries

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

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

embroidery

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Origin of embroidery

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British Dictionary definitions for embroidery