needlepoint

[ need-l-point ]

noun

1. embroidery upon canvas, usually with uniform spacing of stitches in a pattern.

adjective

1. done or executed in needlepoint:

   a needlepoint cushion.

2. noting a lace needlepoint lace in which a needle works out the design upon parchment or paper.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to execute or create in needlepoint:

   to needlepoint an evening bag; to needlepoint as a hobby.

needlepoint

/ ˈniːdəlˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. embroidery done on canvas with the same stitch throughout so as to resemble tapestry
2. another name for point lace

Other Words From

• needle·pointer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of needlepoint¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; needle + point

Example Sentences

During an art residency last year in a former castle in the Umbrian countryside, the textile artist Liz Collins sat in her temporary studio stitching a needlepoint.

From New York Times

She gave the actor a “beautiful needlepoint pillow” and they’ve spoken over the phone about their favorite cop shows.

From Seattle Times

The two also became business partners, opening a needlepoint shop on the Upper East Side called 2 Needles.

From Seattle Times

Zoe Kurland: Even though the Troy School was different, these learned women still found themselves graduating into a world where they would be expected to cook and clean and needlepoint and smell nice and whatever.

From Scientific American

“It Is About the Weight,” proclaims a cushion stitched in needlepoint by Berlin.

From New York Times

Related Words

• brocade
• decoration
• lace
• quilting
• tapestry