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.
Clasby had stayed behind and put out embers landing in trees. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Kent said embers from burning homes can ignite nearby properties, allowing fires to spread from one structure to another and potentially contribute to larger, more destructive blazes. — Steve Large, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 They may have been used to carry food or scoop embers, much like the bark dishes called coolamons used by Aboriginal Australians. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 Smoky in scent only, the ember candle from Jenni Kayne embodies the best parts of late night fires without being too heavy. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing ember

Rhymes for ember

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Browse Nearby Words

embellishment
ember
ember day
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Cite this Entry

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

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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
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