embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
embarked; embarking; embarks

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 noun
embarkment noun

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 on the Web Kids can embark on their own journeys via Grow With Six Senses, a program that allows children to reconnect with nature and gain life skills through play. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023 Undeterred, Harvey embarked on a quest to secure sponsors and support. Christian Anderson, Billboard, 29 Nov. 2023 Over the last year, Stability AI embarked on a hiring spree, recruiting researchers from bigger technology companies to release its open-source software at a rapid clip. Mark Bergen, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2023 Real Estate will embark on a 2024 North American tour after the album’s release. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Nov. 2023 In November 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a hunting trip in Mississippi with one main goal: to bag a black bear. Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Nov. 2023 Find it on Amazon This Guided Journal To Discover Your Best Self Inspire someone to embark on a journey of self-discovery with this Guided Journal that is filled with prompts and exercises designed to encourage reflection and personal growth. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023 As Noah Kahan embarks on his U.K. tour, the Vermont singer-songwriter’s third studio LP Stick Season (Island) powers 22-6, a new peak position. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2023 The couple grew more politically engaged amid racial tensions sparked by Brown v. Board of Education, and would embark on an unexpected political journey that landed Jimmy in the statehouse, governor's mansion and Oval Office. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embark.' 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 French embarquer, from Old Occitan embarcar, from em- (from Latin in-) + barca bark

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embark was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near embark

Cite this Entry

“Embark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embark. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

embark

verb
em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
1
: to go or put on board a ship or airplane
2
: to begin some task or project
embark on a career
embarkation noun
embarkment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embark

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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