ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

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

For example, homes can be made less likely to ignite with Class A fire-resistant roofs and ember-resistant vents that reduce the potential for burning particles to enter homes. — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

The embers of romance begin to glow as Nora shows Joseph how to embrace the freedom of camp life. — Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

Make sure there are no overhanging limbs that could combust; cut back and remove nearby grasses, brambles, and underbrush; and have a fire extinguisher ready to deal with any embers that float away. — Steven John, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026

Woods and Thomas’ production in the dying embers of the affair became pertinent when Knight went down with a chest/ribs injury. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing ember

• ember day

Rhymes for ember

• member
• crewmember
• december
• dismember
• nonmember
• november
• remember
• september

Kids Definition

ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire

especially : such a piece smoldering in ashes