emboss

1 of 2

verb (1)

em·​boss im-ˈbäs 

-ˈbȯs

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

1

: to raise the surface of into bosses

especially : to ornament with raised work

2

: to raise in relief from a surface

3

: adorn, embellish

embossable

im-ˈbä-sə-bəl 

-ˈbȯ-

adjective

embosser

im-ˈbä-sər 

-ˈbȯ-

noun

embossment

im-ˈbä-smənt 

-ˈbȯ-

noun

emboss

2 of 2

verb (2)

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

archaic

: to drive (a hunted animal) to bay or to exhaustion

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• adorn
• array
• beautify
• bedeck
• bedizen
• blazon
• caparison
• deck
• decorate
• do
• do up
• doll up
• drape
• dress
• embellish
• emblaze
• enrich
• fancify
• fancy up
• festoon
• garnish
• glitz (up)
• grace
• gussy up
• ornament
• pretty (up)
• trim

Examples of emboss in a Sentence

Verb (1)

the simple country church has an aura of serene spirituality that is often missing in more embossed houses of worship

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Its main influence, the Upside Down, is reflected in sweatshirts and matching socks featuring series iconography, including silhouettes of Mike and Eleven on a bike and an image from the first season embossed on a dark sweatshirt. —Julia Teti, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024

Heat seeing Blood Red with new Culture uniform, but ‘Hardest Working’ mantra no longer embossed on court ASK IRA: Do the Heat need to get Terry Rozier rolling or turn elsewhere? —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024

Chandeliers formed from golden twigs hang from vaulted ceilings embossed with Arabic designs in relief whilst turquoise sofas are set into alcoves surrounded by arches. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Help him out with this pebble-leather pick from Coach, featuring the brand’s signature embossed print and space for all of his cards and cash. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English embosen, from Middle French embocer, from en- + boce boss

Verb (2)

Middle English embosen to become exhausted from being hunted, ultimately from Anglo-French bois woods

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

emboss

verb

em·​boss

im-ˈbäs,

-ˈbȯs

: to decorate with a raised pattern or design

embosser noun

embossment

-mənt

noun