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.
Shelton Company 4, Derby and Monroe Fire Departments assisted in fighting a nearby large brush fire that started due to embers from the Highland Golf Club building. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 Nov. 2024 An investigation by Boulder County authorities said the fire started in two places: on a religious cult’s property when embers from an earlier fire reignited and near part of Xcel’s electrical distribution system, where a power line became loose. Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2024 The Anti-Social Season by Adele Buck Firefighters may be dedicated to dousing blazes, but The Anti-Social Season is all about stoking the embers between former firefighter Thea Martinelli and librarian Simon Osman. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024 In this case, any ember that happens to match the speed of the wave can be picked up and begins to surf. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near ember

Cite this Entry

“Ember.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ember. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on ember

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