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.
Bearing the brunt of our new climate reality, of course, is the simmering countryside, desert dry and ready to ignite from the first mechanical spark, hot muffler, or flying ember. — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026 These winds are strong enough to blow around embers and keep fire crews on their toes, but are nowhere close to the nearly 50 mph gusts that fueled the fires’ initial explosive spread last weekend. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Reduce embers that could pass through vents in eaves by installing metal mesh screening. — Hali Smith august 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2026 The blaze had been declared fixed earlier in the week before gusts revived embers Friday and sent it racing through dry hills in temperatures approaching 108 degrees. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing ember

Rhymes for ember

See All Rhymes for ember

Browse Nearby Words

embellishment
ember
ember day
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Cite this Entry

“Ember.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ember. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ember for Spanish Speakers

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