embolism

noun

em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
plural embolisms
1
: the insertion of one or more days in a calendar : intercalation
2
a
: the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus
b
embolismic adjective

Examples of embolism 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.
According to multiple reports, she was hospitalized for an embolism. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 O’Hara, the beloved two-time Emmy-winning SCTV, Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek alumna, died of a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer as the underlying cause in late January of this year at age 71. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2026 In a new interview, Rogen and co-creator Evan Goldberg told the Times of London that they were forced to suddenly change the entire season following O’Hara’s death from a pulmonary embolism and rectal cancer. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2026 Her death certificate cited the main cause as pulmonary embolism and rectal cancer as an underlying cause. Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embolism

Word History

Etymology

Middle English embolisme, from Medieval Latin embolismus, from Greek embol- (from emballein to insert, intercalate) — more at emblem

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embolism. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

embolism

noun
em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
1
: the sudden blocking of a blood vessel by an embolus
2

Medical Definition

embolism

noun
em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
1
: the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus
2

More from Merriam-Webster on embolism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster