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

Examples of embalm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her body, which was not embalmed, was buried in a wooden coffin. Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2024 Casolaro’s body was also embalmed by the funeral home and his hotel room was cleaned by an industrial cleaner before the family was notified about his death. Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 In a natural burial, that doesn’t happen and bodies typically are not embalmed, Perry said. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 In addition to cosmetics, formaldehyde is found in embalming fluid, medicines, fabric softeners, dishwashing liquid, paints, plywood, and particleboard. Ronnie Cohen, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2024 Some funeral homes, for example, have a rule that a body must be embalmed for public viewing. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 The staff member said the smell was most likely from embalming chemicals, the suit said, and told the family that the chemicals were not toxic. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 15 Dec. 2023 On one call, the funeral home also misrepresented a local health code, telling investigators that remains had to be embalmed. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2024 Unsung, they were embalmed in formaldehyde and donated to various anatomy labs of medical schools across the city. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2024

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 19 Apr. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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