emboss

1 of 2

verb (1)

em·​boss im-ˈbäs How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-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
embossable adjective
embosser
im-ˈbä-sər How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-ˈbȯ-
noun
embossment noun

emboss

2 of 2

verb (2)

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

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

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
The watch is completed with a navy-blue strap with cream contrasting stitching in a composite material embossed with a fabric motif, and a Cubitus fold-over clasp in platinum. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 At the scene, investigators found car debris including mirror glass, chrome embossed with the word 'Chrysler,' and the car's front license plate. Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Oct. 2024 The platinum model is the only reference to come on a strap—made of an ultra-resistant composite material embossed with a fabric motif. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024 Pets are greeted with a gourmet welcome treat (with their name embossed in peanut butter), amenities (such as a cozy pet bed), and room service for dogs with menu items like Wagyu beef. Tiffany Leigh, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emboss 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emboss.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of emboss was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near emboss

Cite this Entry

“Emboss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emboss. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

emboss

verb
em·​boss
im-ˈbäs,
-ˈbȯs
: to decorate with a raised pattern or design
embosser noun
embossment
-mənt
noun

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