ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

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

Well, when that handbag ignites the embers of sartorial sensibilities across the fashion sphere. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025

While the embers have finally died down, the devastation left in their wake continues to haunt anyone who has ever called the city home. —The Editors Of Ad, Architectural Digest, 7 Feb. 2025

As embers rained down on western Altadena overnight Jan. 7 into Jan. 8, evacuation orders were delayed by several hours. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025

The game was in its dying embers, entering the last of six minutes of stoppage time, when Ronaldo found himself in a pocket of space inside Al Fateh’s box. —Rory Smith, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing ember

• ember day

Kids Definition

ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire

especially : such a piece smoldering in ashes