embed

verb

em·​bed im-ˈbed How to pronounce embed (audio)
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
embedment noun

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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embed was circa 1794

Dictionary Entries Near embed

Cite this Entry

“Embed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embed. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

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
embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding
: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
embedment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embed

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