embroidery

B2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ɪmˈbrɔɪdəri/ UK /ɪmˈbrɔɪdəri/ See IPA manual

Freq #24118

Meanings

1

noun
the art or process of decorating fabric with patterns sewn in thread

She learned traditional embroidery from her grandmother.
2

noun
a decorative design or piece of fabric produced by this kind of needlework

Gold embroidery covered the cuffs of the ceremonial coat.
3

noun
invented, exaggerated, or decorative detail added to a story or account

The witness's later version contained a good deal of embroidery.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · the art or process of... needleworkfancywork

2 noun · a decorative design or... needleworkstitchwork

3 noun · invented, exaggerated, or... embellishment elaboration

Word family

Forms broideriesbroidery

Derived forms reembroidery

Related forms embroider stitch needlework embellishment

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

embroidery hoop
a frame of two fitted rings that holds fabric taut for embroidery

Noun + noun

Etymology

From Middle French embrouderie, from embrouder, 'to embroider,' + -erie; in present-day English it is transparently related to embroider + -y. The figurative sense compares invented or elaborate details with decorative stitching.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

# embroidery

**Type:** Word
**Level:** B2
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ɪmˈbrɔɪdəri/
**IPA (UK):** /ɪmˈbrɔɪdəri/
**Frequency rank:** 24118

## Meanings
1. the art or process of decorating fabric with patterns sewn in thread
2. a decorative design or piece of fabric produced by this kind of needlework
3. invented, exaggerated, or decorative detail added to a story or account

## Examples
- She learned traditional embroidery from her grandmother.
- Gold embroidery covered the cuffs of the ceremonial coat.
- The witness's later version contained a good deal of embroidery.

## Synonyms
- needlework
- fancywork
- embellishment

## Derived Forms
- reembroidery

## Related Forms
- embroider
- stitch
- needlework
- embellishment

## Etymology
From Middle French embrouderie, from embrouder, 'to embroider,' + -erie; in present-day English it is transparently related to embroider + -y. The figurative sense compares invented or elaborate details with decorative stitching.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes

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