First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
embroider
verb em·broi·der \im-ˈbrȯi-dər\
: to sew a design on a piece of cloth
: to make (a story, the truth, etc.) more interesting by adding details that are not true or accurate
em·broi·deredem·broi·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of EMBROIDER
transitive verb
1
a : to ornament with needlework b : to form with needlework
2
: to elaborate on : embellish <embroider a story>
intransitive verb
1
: to make embroidery
See embroider defined for English-language learners
See embroider defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of EMBROIDER
alteration of Middle English embroderen, from Anglo-French embrouder, from en- + brosder, brouder to embroider, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English brord point, byrst bristle
Related to EMBROIDER
- Synonyms
- color, elaborate (on), embellish, exaggerate, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, stretch
Rhymes with EMBROIDER
EMBROIDERING Defined for Kids
embroider
verb em·broi·der \im-ˈbrȯi-dər\
em·broi·deredem·broi·der·ing
Definition of EMBROIDER for Kids
1
: to make with needlework <She embroidered her initials.>
2
: to decorate with needlework <I'm embroidering a tablecloth.>
3
: to make more interesting by exaggerating or adding details <The story had been … embroidered in so many places, that nobody was quite sure what the truth was anymore. — J. K. Rowling, Goblet of Fire>
Learn More About EMBROIDER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: embroideressPrevious Word in the Dictionary: embroglioAll Words Near: embroider
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up embroider? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).