embed

verb

em·​bed im-ˈbed 

variants or less commonly imbed

embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding; embeds also imbeds

transitive verb

1

a

: to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix

fossils embedded in stone

b

: to make something an integral part of

the prejudices embedded in our language

c

: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance

d

: to insert (a media file, such as a graphic, video, or audio clip) into a computer document (as on a website or in an email)

Marketers embed advertisements in subscription mailing-list messages to reach target audiences.

—Matthew Mills

The company … lets users embed video and audio attachments in E-mail messages.

—Matt Richtel

2

a

: to attach (a journalist) to a military unit for the purpose of covering a conflict

Ever since the American-led invasion of Iraq last year, when hundreds of journalists were embedded with military units, people in media circles have been debating whether journalists lose their professional detachment under such circumstances and begin to identify too closely with the troops they are covering.

—Robert D. Kaplan

b

: to attach (someone) to a group (such as a military unit or government agency) for the purpose of advising, training, or treating its members

Implementation of the plan to embed behavior specialists at the brigade level will result in 50 positions being staffed between now and 2013.

—Philip Grey

Dr. Dawdy … is one of the more unusual relief workers among the thousands who have come to the devastated expanses of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She is officially embedded with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a liaison to the state's historic preservation office.

—John Schwartz

3

: to surround closely

a sweet pulp embeds the plum seed

intransitive verb

: to become embedded

embedment

im-ˈbed-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• bed
• enroot
• entrench
• intrench
• fix
• impact
• implant
• ingrain
• engrain
• lodge
• root

Examples of embed in a Sentence

embed a post in concrete

the nails were solidly embedded in those old plaster walls

Recent Examples on the Web

Our work treats fairness as a socio-technical issue–embedded in both technology and the social systems that interact with it. —Chris Hyams, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2023

Even though the show has morphed into something more nuanced than the confessional tone of the original incarnation, the thing that makes Cooper such a successful podcaster — her willingness to bare all, or at least give the impression of doing so — is still deeply embedded in its DNA. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2023

Spirits, energies and the supernatural are deeply embedded in our daily lives, especially for millennial and Gen Z Latinx women who have reconnected in the last few years with spiritual practices. —Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023

In 1998, Malaysia became the first country to issue an electronic passport, or e-passport—a traditional passport by all accounts, save for the microchip embedded in the back cover that contains biometric information. —Taryn White, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Sep. 2023

Model results are not the end of the data work but should be embedded in the algorithmic life cycle. —Fay Cobb Payton, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2023

The program’s videos — featuring both Hildebrandt and Franke — were previously embedded on the ConneXions website, but no longer appear there, because the program’s YouTube account has since been terminated. —Jordan Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 Sep. 2023

Oil shale is essentially petroleum embedded in sedimentary rock. —Tim Fitzpatrick, The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 Sep. 2023

Their mah-jongg parties, dubbed East Never Loses, are avant-garde scenes for Angelenos eager to embrace a game embedded in their heritage. —Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

embed

verb

em·​bed

variants also imbed

im-ˈbed

embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding

1

: to enclose in or as if in a surrounding mass : set solidly in or as if in a bed

embed a post in concrete

2

: to prepare (material for use under a microscope) for cutting by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance (as paraffin)

Medical Definition

embed

transitive verb

em·​bed

variants also imbed

im-ˈbed 

embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding

: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance

embedment

-ˈbed-mənt 

noun