ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər How to pronounce ember (audio)
1
: a glowing fragment (as of coal) from a fire
especially : one smoldering in ashes
2
embers plural : the smoldering remains of a fire
3
embers plural : slowly dying or fading emotions, memories, ideas, or responses still capable of being revived
the embers of his past

Examples of ember in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All have dense, leathery foliage, great for intercepting embers and providing privacy. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024 But the Fed’s decision at the end of a two-day meeting Wednesday could move stock and bond markets and reveal whether officials are more concerned about stamping out inflation’s final embers or propping up a labor market that has been cooling a bit too rapidly for most economists’ comfort. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 18 Sep. 2024 Property owners frown upon the notion of carving holes into a roof for the proper ventilation of dust and ash emitted from fire embers, but Rod is uncompromising. Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2024 When most animals are fleeing from wildfires, these insects fly toward the flames, copulate among the embers, and lay eggs. Benji Jones, Vox, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ember 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eymere, from Old Norse eimyrja; akin to Old English ǣmerge ashes, Latin urere to burn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ember was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ember

Cite this Entry

“Ember.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ember. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ember

noun
em·​ber ˈem-bər How to pronounce ember (audio)
: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire
especially : such a piece smoldering in ashes

More from Merriam-Webster on ember

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