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

All have dense, leathery foliage, great for intercepting embers and providing privacy. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024

But the Fed’s decision at the end of a two-day meeting Wednesday could move stock and bond markets and reveal whether officials are more concerned about stamping out inflation’s final embers or propping up a labor market that has been cooling a bit too rapidly for most economists’ comfort. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 18 Sep. 2024

Property owners frown upon the notion of carving holes into a roof for the proper ventilation of dust and ash emitted from fire embers, but Rod is uncompromising. —Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 14 Sep. 2024

When most animals are fleeing from wildfires, these insects fly toward the flames, copulate among the embers, and lay eggs. —Benji Jones, Vox, 14 Sep. 2024

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