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
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.
Fonzie costumes suggested a human being resembling Henry Winkler, albeit embalmed. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2024 The Digest Scientists have identified the mysterious man discovered embalmed in a sarcophagus under the Notre-Dame Cathedral during renovations. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2024 The rest — more than 830 out of some 2,350 corpses since 2019 — were embalmed or placed in freezers. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 2 Oct. 2024 His body was barely embalmed, indicating a lack of care in the mummification process, Saleem said in the news release. Katie Hunt, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embalm 

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 6 Dec. 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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