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.
Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025 Has the power to dream that big been beaten out of Heat fans or do faint embers buried deep still glow? Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025 In many of the fire sequences, actors were surrounded by real heat, embers and smoke. Janee Bolden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 His chemistry with Johnson isn't raging, but warm and solid, the embers of a campfire that has been well-tended. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ember.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ember. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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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