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needlework

American  
[need-l-wurk] / ˈnid lˌwɜrk /

noun

  1. the art, process, or product of working with a needle, especially in embroidery, needlepoint, tapestry, quilting, and appliqué.

  2. the occupation or employment of a person skilled in embroidery, needlepoint, etc.


needlework British  
/ ˈniːdəlˌwɜːk /

noun

  1. work done with a needle, esp sewing and embroidery

  2. the result of such work

"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

Etymology

Origin of needlework

First recorded in 1350–1400, needlework is from Middle English nedle werk. See needle, work

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.

See Examples For:

Artisans in white coats greeted guests at the Tod's fashion show in Milan Friday, crafting the Made in Italy leather and needlework items for which the company -- and country -- is renowned.

From Barron's Feb. 27, 2026

One theory was that Russian Etsy sellers were pirating virtual patterns and reselling them, but designers instead attribute it to a rich tradition of needlework in the country.

From The Verge Mar. 28, 2022

Nastya said that at home she had worked in restaurants, doing needlework and making handmade carpets.

From New York Times Mar. 21, 2022

Liz Tapper from Lenham Needlecraft, in Somerset, has been meticulously studying records to incorporate the delicate needlework for an Italian customer.

From BBC Feb. 19, 2022

Unlike me, she could be content stitching for hours, and she was proud of her needlework.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

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