embark

verb

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

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 noun
embarkment noun

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.
In this very twisted take on the Bambi story, our deer — now not simply grief-stricken over the death of his mother but also mutated, effing enormous and sporting an array of sharp, terrifying teeth — embarks on a deadly rampage through the woods seeking revenge. Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025 Amidst fear and propaganda, an Omega embarks on a dangerous mission to fulfil a dying father’s wish. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile Tanya embarked on a singing and acting career after a breakthrough appearance in Sister Act 2 alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. Sid Evans, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2025 Check road conditions: Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions. Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 4 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embark. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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 noun
embarkment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embark

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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