embroidery

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

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

   She learned traditional embroidery from her grandmother.

2. 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. 3
   noun

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

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

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