embark

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verb em·bark \im-ˈbärk\

Definition of embark

intransitive verb
1 : to go on board a vehicle for transportation the troops embarked at noon
2 : to make a start embarked on a new career
transitive verb
1 : to cause to go on board (a boat, an airplane, etc.)
2 : to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise

embarkation

play \ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən, -bər-\ noun

embarkment

play \im-ˈbärk-mənt\ noun

See embark defined for English-language learners

See embark defined for kids

Examples of embark in a Sentence

The troops are waiting to embark.
Millions of Europeans embarked for America in the late 19th century.

Recent Examples of embark from the Web

Still, the decision to reduce the Fed’s holdings came across as a sign of optimism for an economic recovery embarking on its ninth year.

— josh boak, The Seattle Times, "Fed debating when to unwind $4.5 trillion in bond holdings", 5 July 2017
Cage Dive clearly did not watch Mandy Moore in 47 Meters Down before deciding to embark on yet another shark cage diving experience on the big screen.

— peggy truong, Cosmopolitan, "The New Open Water 3 Trailer Will Ruin Your Favorite Childhood Song Forever", 30 June 2017
Over 50 percent off ocean-fresh Maine Lobster Embark on the ultimate culinary adventure with this special deal from Get Maine Lobsters.

— The Courier-Journal, "Xtras! Win KY Speedway tickets, a staycation", 15 June 2017
The Bel Air town government is embarking on an ambitious street resurfacing program this summer and will also seal the decks in the municipal parking garage.

— allan vought, The Aegis, "Bel Air to resurface several streets, seal parking garage decks this summer", 13 June 2017
This year, Zingheim embarked on a 4,000-mile (6,400-kilometer) road trip to learn more about the woman who lived in an Airstream trailer with her dog and cat — and the wild places that captivated her.

— Washington Post, "Woman crisscrosses West to fulfill acquaintance’s last wish", 11 June 2017
During the 1970s, Gold embarked on a second career as a writer and commentator, which included a 25-year association with Washingtonian magazine.

— the washington post, AL.com, "Vic Gold, Birmingham reporter, lawyer who advised Bush, Agnew, dead at 88", 10 June 2017
McKinstry said that before connecting with Laird Norton, his firm had trouble finding a willing partner with the money to allow Spectrum to embark on its workforce housing plan.

— mike rosenberg, The Seattle Times, "Bucking the luxury housing trend, $500M in new apartments aim to help Seattle’s shrinking middle class", 9 June 2017
Now, their story is coming full circle as the couple embark on a new winemaking venture.

— khalida sarwari, The Mercury News, "Home winemakers embark on new California wine journey", 9 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'embark'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of embark

Middle French embarquer, from Old Occitan embarcar, from em- (from Latin in-) + barca bark

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First Known Use: 1533

See Words from the same year

EMBARK Defined for English Language Learners

embark

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verb

Definition of embark for English Language Learners

: to begin a journey especially on a ship or airplane

EMBARK Defined for Kids

embark

play

verb em·bark \im-ˈbärk\

Definition of embark for Students

embarked

;

embarking

1 : to go on or put on board a ship or an airplane The last of the passengers embarked.
2 : to begin a project or task She embarked on a new career.