embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbä-dē How to pronounce embody (audio)
embodied; embodying

transitive verb

1
: to give a body to (a spirit) : incarnate
2
a
: to deprive of spirituality
b
: to make concrete and perceptible
3
: to cause to become a body or part of a body : incorporate
4
: to represent in human or animal form : personify
men who greatly embodied the idealism of American lifeA. M. Schlesinger born 1917
embodier noun

Examples of embody in a Sentence

The legislature embodied a revenue provision in the new law. they must embody their ideas in substantial institutions if they are to survive
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.
For upland bird hunters, witnessing the mesmerizing poetry in motion embodied in the work of great dogs is the main attraction of the pursuit. Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 In April, Maryland became the first state in the nation to codify such universal screening into law, a breakthrough embodied in SB 0740, the SFC Matthew Fast Act. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Through the launch of Pyrex Vision, Off-White, and his later appointment at Louis Vuitton, Givhan urges readers to engage with the many facets that embodied Virgil, the designer who was also an adept listener, watcher, and one of the most compelling figures to ever exist in the fashion industry. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 30 June 2025 This is embodied intelligence – the idea that some elements of cognition can be outsourced to the body. New Atlas, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for embody

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embody was circa 1548

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Cite this Entry

“Embody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embody. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

embody

verb
em·​body im-ˈbäd-ē How to pronounce embody (audio)
embodied; embodying
1
: to give definite form to
embodied her ideas in suitable words
2
: to cause to become a body or a part of a body or system
the Constitution embodies the fundamental laws of the United States
3
: to represent in visible form
a leader who embodies courage
embodier noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embody

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