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Synonyms

brocade

American  
[broh-keyd] / broʊˈkeɪd /

noun

  1. fabric woven with an elaborate design, especially one having a raised overall pattern.

verb (used with object)

brocaded, brocading

  1. to weave with a raised design or figure.

brocade British  
/ brəʊˈkeɪd /

noun

    1. a rich fabric woven with a raised design, often using gold or silver threads

    2. ( as modifier )

      brocade curtains
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to weave with such a design

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • unbrocaded adjective

Etymology

Origin of brocade

1555–65; earlier brocado < Spanish < Italian broccato embossed (fabric), past participle of broccare, derivative of brocco twisted thread, shoot < Late Latin; broach

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Meanwhile local media praised von der Leyen's burgundy and gold brocade outfit -- a nod to Indian fashion.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

The next was an elegant Audrey Hepburn spaghetti-strap white brocade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

Best known for his use of lotus and peacock motifs, Bal used rich fabrics like velvet and brocade - his designs were elaborate, inspired by Indian grandeur and royalty.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2024

That brocade floral jacket with the giant, giant shoulder pads and the high collar and the brooch.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2023

The fish swam merrily around in its bowl as the silk of her brocade bag made the sunlight skip around the room.

From "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.