embroidery

American  

[em-broi-duh-ree, -dree] / ɛmˈbrɔɪ də ri, -dri /

noun

plural

embroideries

1. 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.

2. embroidered work or ornamentation.

3. elaboration or embellishment, as in telling a story.

---

embroidery British  

/ ɪmˈbrɔɪdərɪ /

noun

1. decorative needlework done usually on loosely woven cloth or canvas, often being a picture or pattern

2. elaboration or exaggeration, esp in writing or reporting; embellishment

---

Etymology

Origin of embroidery

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

Compare meaning

How does embroidery compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cross-stitch vs. embroidery

Example Sentences

The 70m-long embroidery depicting the Battle of Hastings in 1066 will travel from France to London as part of a deal between the two nation's governments.

From BBC

Mia began her work on an authentic stitch-by-stitch copy of the original 11th Century embroidery in 2016 "because I just wanted something to do and needed a project I couldn't finish in a hurry".

From BBC

Also designed by Hartnell, the Queen's 1953 Coronation dress was made from silk produced in Kent and features gold bugle beads, diamantés and pearls in exquisitely designed embroideries.

From BBC

Shepherding the 10-year-old girl and her family through the buzzing rush of holiday shoppers, he asks if she would like to make her own charm bracelet or design the embroidery on a stuffed bunny.

From The Wall Street Journal

Members of the group spent six hours crafting each stocking, using hand embroidery, piping and seam-matching skills.

From BBC

Related Words

• brocade
• decoration
• lace
• needlepoint
• quilting
• tapestry