embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m 

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

im-ˈbä(l)m-mənt 

em-

noun

Examples of embalm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After his death, his unclaimed body was embalmed with arsenic and displayed by an undertaker for a fee. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 May 2025

Inside the mummy, the researchers found a small glass sphere with holes on both ends — perhaps part of a set of rosary beads accidentally trapped in the embalming material. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 2 May 2025

What To Know Historically, popes were embalmed and some of their organs were removed prior to burial. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

The pontiff’s body is then transported to the Sistine Chapel, where it is embalmed and clothed in preparation for a three-day display to the faithful who come on pilgrimage. —Paolo Armelli, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for embalm

• aplomb
• balaam
• cocom
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• balm
• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom

Kids Definition

embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m 

: to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay

embalmer noun

embalmment

-mənt 

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

-ˈbä(l)m-mənt 

noun