# needlework

/ˈnidəɫˌwɝk/ (US) · /nˈiːdəlwˌɜːk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/needlework
Updated: 2026-10-08

## Definition

work done with a needle, such as sewing, embroidery, or making lace. You use this word to describe the skill or the finished item itself.

For teachers: decorative or functional work produced using a needle, encompassing activities such as sewing, embroidery, and needlepoint. Often refers to the craft as a traditional domestic art.

## Examples

- She spends her evenings doing delicate needlework by the fire.
- The museum features a collection of 18th-century needlework that shows the incredible patience and skill of the artists.
- While modern textiles are largely mass-produced by machines, there remains a dedicated community of artisans who preserve the intricate techniques of hand-stitched needlework.

## Synonyms

sewing, stitching, needlecraft

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the activity or craft; occasionally countable when referring to specific finished pieces in a collection.

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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.