embroider

[ em-broi-der ]
See synonyms for embroider on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to decorate with ornamental needlework.

  2. to produce or form in needlework.

  1. to adorn or embellish rhetorically, especially with ornate language or fictitious details: He embroidered the account of the shipwreck to hold his listeners' interest.

verb (used without object)
  1. to do embroidery.

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

Origin of embroider

1
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 (see brad)

Other words for embroider

Other words from embroider

  • em·broi·der·er, noun
  • o·ver·em·broi·der, verb (used with object)
  • un·em·broi·dered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use embroider in a sentence

  • The embroiderer bent over her frame with renewed diligence, and shut her lips together in a determined way.

    Joyce's Investments | Fannie E. Newberry
  • Hangings for the churches, coverings for the altars, robes for the priests, occupied the artist and the embroiderer.

    Needlework As Art | Marian Alford
  • Mrs. Peter was the most skilful embroiderer in beads amongst her people, and Peter himself the best canoe-builder.

  • The effective worker (designer or embroiderer) is the one who works with judgment—and you cannot judge unless you know.

    Art in Needlework | Lewis F. Day
  • The Japanese embroiderer, instead of knotting his own thread, employed very often a crinkled braid.

    Art in Needlework | Lewis F. Day

British Dictionary definitions for embroider

embroider

/ (ɪmˈbrɔɪdə) /


verb
  1. to do decorative needlework (upon)

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

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

Origin of embroider

1
C15: from Old French embroder; see em- en- 1, broider

Derived forms of embroider

  • embroiderer, noun

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