embark

1 of 2

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk 

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

ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən 

-bər-

noun

embarkment

im-ˈbärk-mənt 

noun

embarkment

2 of 2

noun

em·​bark·​ment ə̇mˈbärkmənt 

em-, 

-bȧk-

plural -s

: embarkation sense 1a

Synonyms of embark

Verb

• begin
• start
• commence
• fall (to)
• enter (into or upon)
• get going
• open
• found

Examples of embark in a Sentence

Verb

The troops are waiting to embark.

Millions of Europeans embarked for America in the late 19th century.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In addition to the release, the band embarked on an extensive anniversary tour for the album, playing in some of their biggest venues yet. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Jordan Jensen is embarking on a North American stand-up comedy tour. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

In August, the former Disney star successfully launched her Daisy Chain Fields festival, raising $20 million for women’s charities before embarking on her Unraveled arena tour the following month. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026

Boise State football avoided a near-catastrophic home defeat to Texas State last night, eking out a 46-45 win despite the visiting Bobcats embarking on a 36-0 second-half run. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

Middle French embarquement, from embarquer + -ment

First Known Use

Verb

1533, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing embark

• embark on/upon

Rhymes for embark

• ballpark
• benchmark
• birthmark
• daymark
• earmark
• hallmark
• landmark
• monarch
• postmark
• remark
• skylark
• tetrarch

Kids Definition

embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk 

1

: to go or put on board a ship or airplane

2

: to begin some task or project

embark on a career

embarkation

ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən 

noun

embarkment

im-ˈbärk-mənt 

noun