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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.

The collection also featured brocade capes, puffer jackets and long wool coats with oversized fur cuffs.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Vestments made of intricate floral brocade in 1741, given by Louis XV, enrich the walls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 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

A few brocade throw pillows lie atop the spread to complete the earth-tone look.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2024

He's as tall as the Tribesman but twice as broad, with a paunch that strains the buttons of his gold brocade shirt.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

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.