embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m How to pronounce embalm (audio)
em-
embalmed; embalming; embalms

transitive verb

1
: to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay
2
: to fill with sweet odors : perfume
3
: to protect from decay or oblivion : preserve
embalm a hero's memory
4
: to fix in a static condition
embalmer noun
embalmment noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Sister Wilhelmina’s body was not embalmed after her death, according to CNA. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 29 May 2023 Her body was buried in a wooden coffin without any embalming in very moist clay. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 29 May 2023 She was not embalmed, and her grave was dug by hand by her sisters, said the website of the monastic order. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 27 May 2023 The animal embalming workshop was made with mud and stone floors, and was discovered alongside bronze tools that would have been used in the mummification process. Charlene Gubash, NBC News, 27 May 2023 But in the last couple of centuries, especially in Western countries, the practice has become toxic: From embalming fluids to casket materials, burials can contaminate soil and groundwater, and endanger the health of funeral workers. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2023 Rahma Funeral Home in northern Dallas embalmed Thatikonda’s body and organized a visitation. Marin Wolf, Dallas News, 12 May 2023 Traditional burials, meanwhile, plow 1.6 million tons of concrete into the ground each year, along with 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid and 64,500 tons of steel, the council said. Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2023 But Mexican officials said that due to international regulations, Harrell’s body would have to be embalmed before it could be sent to the United States. Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embalm.' 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

Middle English embaumen, from Anglo-French enbaumer, enbasmer, from en- + basme balm — more at balm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near embalm

Cite this Entry

“Embalm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embalm. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

embalm

verb
em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m How to pronounce embalm (audio)
: to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay
embalmer noun
embalmment noun

Medical Definition

embalm

transitive verb
em·​balm
im-ˈbä(l)m, New England also -ˈbȧm
: to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay
embalmer noun
embalmment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embalm

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