English edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English embroudren, frequentative of embrouden, from Anglo-Norman embrouder, intensive of brosder, brouder (compare Norman broudaïr), from Gothic *𐌱𐍂𐌿𐌶𐌳𐍉𐌽 (*bruzdōn), blend of *bursta (bristle) and *brordōn (to stitch) (compare Old High German brortōn). More at bristle and brad.

Pronunciation edit

Verb edit

embroider (third-person singular simple present embroiders, present participle embroidering, simple past and past participle embroidered)

  1. To stitch a decorative design on fabric with needle and thread of various colours.
  2. (figuratively) To add imaginary detail to a narrative to make it more interesting or acceptable.

Derived terms edit

Translations edit

Further reading edit