# embroidery

/ɛmˈbɹɔɪdɝi/ (US) · /ɛmbɹˈɔɪdəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/embroidery
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the craft or art

noun · CEFR B2

the activity or art of decorating cloth by sewing patterns on it with many colours of thread.

For teachers: the art or process of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to stitch thread, yarn, or sometimes wire.

- She spent her evenings practicing embroidery to create beautiful designs on her napkins.
- Traditional embroidery remains a vital cultural expression in the region, with patterns passed down through generations of artisans.

### 2. decorated fabric

noun · CEFR B2

patterns or designs sewn onto cloth, or the piece of cloth itself.

For teachers: ornamentation consisting of needlework on fabric, or a specific piece of fabric so decorated.

- The gold embroidery on the king's robe shone brightly under the lights.
- The museum displayed a collection of seventeenth-century embroidery, noting the intricate detail of the silk floral motifs.

### 3. adding details to a story

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

extra details added to a story to make it more exciting, even if they are not completely true.

For teachers: the figurative elaboration of a narrative or account, often involving the addition of fictitious or exaggerated details.

- His story about the accident was full of embroidery to make himself look like a hero.
- The journalist was accused of excessive embroidery, as several key details in his report could not be verified by witnesses.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the subject being exaggerated.

## Examples

- She learned embroidery from her grandmother.
- The traditional wedding dress was covered in delicate gold embroidery that took months to complete.
- While modern industrial machines can replicate complex patterns in seconds, hand embroidery remains a highly valued skill in the world of haute couture for its unique texture and precision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.