embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk 

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

ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən 

-bər-

noun

embarkment

im-ˈbärk-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• begin
• commence
• enter (into or upon)
• fall (to)
• get off
• kick off
• launch
• lead off
• open
• start
• strike (into)

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

Simple Minds are embarking on their biggest North American tour in four decades. —Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025

The duo of Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller will also embark on their first tour since 2022 this spring, beginning May 7 in Phoenix and running through June 15 in Madison, Wi. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 28 Jan. 2025

Ahead of the Minnesota music festival, Weezer will embark on a summer tour through Europe. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025

As the Bachelor, Ellis is eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure, and genuine connections. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing embark

• embark on/upon

Kids Definition

embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk 

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 

noun

embarkment

im-ˈbärk-mənt 

noun