embroider

 
Pronunciation: /ɪmˈbrɔɪdə, ɛm-/

verb

  • 1 [with object] decorate (cloth) by sewing patterns on it with thread: she embroidered a tablecloth (as adjective embroidered) an embroidered handkerchief [no object]: she was teaching the girls how to embroider
  • sew (a design) on cloth with thread: (as adjective embroidered) a chunky sweater with embroidered flowers
  • 2add fictitious or exaggerated details to (an account) to make it more interesting: she embroidered her stories with colourful detail

Derivatives

embroiderer

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French enbrouder, from en- 'in, on' + Old French brouder, broisder 'decorate with embroidery', of Germanic origin