# tapestry

/ˈtæpəstɹi/ (US) · /tˈæpəstɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tapestry
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a heavy cloth with colorful pictures or patterns woven into it, often hung on a wall. People also use this word to describe a complex mix of different things.

For teachers: a heavy textile fabric with decorative designs formed by weaving colored weft threads. Frequently used metaphorically to describe a complex or multifaceted situation or history.

## Examples

- A beautiful tapestry hangs on the castle wall.
- The museum displays a medieval tapestry that depicts a famous battle in great detail.
- The novel presents a rich tapestry of immigrant life, weaving together the disparate stories of three families across several generations to create a unified narrative of the city.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' when used in a figurative sense ('a tapestry of').

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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.