embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
embarked; embarking; embarks
Synonyms of embark

intransitive verb

1
: to go on board a vehicle for transportation
the troops embarked at noon
2
: to make a start
embarked on a new career

transitive verb

1
: to cause to go on board (a boat, an airplane, etc.)
2
: to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise
embarkation
ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce embark (audio)
-bər-
noun
embarkment
im-ˈbärk-mənt How to pronounce embark (audio)
noun

Synonyms of embark

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Examples of embark in a Sentence

The troops are waiting to embark. Millions of Europeans embarked for America in the late 19th century.
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.
With his wife Becca (Stiles), mother-in-law Dawn (Rhea), and kids in tow, Troy embarks on a chaotic road trip from Ohio to Florida in his old news van. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026 Eisenkot argued that Israel needed to concentrate its military resources on defeating Hamas in the south before embarking on another major conflict. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 Those are just two of the many fun facts the sardonic rock star shared in his chat with Dimoldenberg, which also spanned Oasis’ massive stadium tour in 2025 and the band’s plans to embark on another trek next year. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026 Experts at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania are embarking on a study to see if the drugs can deter risky financial decisions. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embark

Word History

Etymology

Middle French embarquer, from Old Occitan embarcar, from em- (from Latin in-) + barca bark

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embark was in 1533

Phrases Containing embark

Rhymes for embark

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Browse Nearby Words

embargo
embark
embarkation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embark. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

embark

verb
em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
1
: to go or put on board a ship or airplane
2
: to begin some task or project
embark on a career
embarkation
ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce embark (audio)
noun
embarkment
im-ˈbärk-mənt How to pronounce embark (audio)
noun
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