brocade

[ broh-keyd ]

noun

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

verb (used with object)

, bro·cad·ed, bro·cad·ing.

1. to weave with a raised design or figure.

brocade

/ brəʊˈkeɪd /

noun

1. 1. a rich fabric woven with a raised design, often using gold or silver threads
   2. ( as modifier )

      brocade curtains

verb

1. tr to weave with such a design

Other Words From

• unbro·caded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brocade¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of brocade¹

C17: from Spanish brocado , from Italian broccato embossed fabric, from brocco spike, from Latin brochus projecting; see broach ¹

Example Sentences

There’s a kind of wonderful fictitious life of brocades and silks and waltzes and gorgeous people, and this one is real.

From Time

Particularly mesmerizing is Van der Weyden’s rendering of the gold brocade on the silk cloth hanging behind and above the Virgin.

From Washington Post

That vision of matter was a no-nonsense plaid instead of an ornate brocade.

From Science News

She wore a black silk brocade jacket and trousers with silver and jade jewelry.

From The Daily Beast

Mrs. Obama was there in her Bordeaux-colored, brocade Michael Kors dress.

From The Daily Beast

She hosts lavish dinner parties and poses for photographs in dripping emeralds and barebacked gowns of silver brocade.

From The Daily Beast

The hangings and furniture were of royal crimson brocade, and the walls were covered with books.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Marriott's story is not a yarn, but a brocade of intricate design and exquisite colouring.

From Project Gutenberg

On the eastern fluttered gauzy veils, feathery fans, blazing brocade of Mosul, and kerchiefs of Kufa.

From Project Gutenberg

Her riding-dress was of gold brocade; and the whip she held in her hand looked like a sunbeam.

From Project Gutenberg

Within it was erected a tomb, which was covered with gold brocade.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decoration
• lace
• needlepoint
• quilting
• tapestry