tapestry
noun
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Several languages weave through the history of tapestry, which comes from a Greek word meaning “carpet” and traveled through Anglo-French and Middle English before arriving in modern English in the 15th century. Tapestry originally referred to a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery, and characterized by complicated pictorial designs. It still does today, but the word has fittingly developed a “tapestry” of additional senses. It may describe a nonreversible imitation of tapestry used chiefly for upholstery, or embroidery on canvas resembling woven tapestry. It can also refer figuratively to anything made up of different parts, as in “nature’s rich tapestry.” Tapestry isn’t the only art word that’s developed a figurative “medley” sense; collage (“a work of art made by adhering pieces of different materials (such as paper, cloth, or wood) to a flat surface”) and mosaic (“a decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material (such as glass or ceramic) to form pictures or patterns”) are both used figuratively to mean “a collection of different things.”
Examples of tapestry in a Sentence
Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Further south and inland, the Sierra de Aracena in Andalusia brings a tapestry of cork forests, rolling hills, and pueblos blancos — whitewashed towns where tradition thrives in every plaza.
—Spain Tourism, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Meander through a lush, fairy-worthy tapestry of ivy and narrow pathways forged throughout the B&B's history.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025
Again, the most interesting thread in this tapestry — especially for Americans unused to the idea of free, public insurance — is Jess and Liz’s opposing attitudes toward healthcare.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tapestry
Cite this Entry
“Tapestry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tapestry. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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tapestry
noun
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