ember

noun em·ber \ ˈem-bər \

Definition of ember

1 :a glowing fragment (as of coal) from a fire; especially :one smoldering in ashes

2 embers plural :the smoldering remains of a fire

3 embers plural :slowly dying or fading emotions, memories, ideas, or responses still capable of being revived

the embers of his past

See ember defined for English-language learners

See ember defined for kids

Recent Examples of ember from the Web

Still, the study is likely to represent the latest ember to stoke the still-raging battle between city officials and the beverage industry over Philadelphia’s groundbreaking levy on sugary drinks.

— laura mccrystal, Philly.com, "Report: Soda tax decreased sales in Philly, boosted sales beyond border," 21 Aug. 2017
The original KKK, born in the embers of the post-Civil War South, never had the hoods.

— ian graber-stiehl, The Root, "Under Obama, Blackness Grew Belligerent. Under Trump, the KKK Grows a Face," 16 Aug. 2017
At Embers in Kenwood, owner Jon Zipperstein says their Dover sole isn't their biggest seller, but many customers are passionate about it.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "These Cincinnati dishes can never come off the menu," 9 Aug. 2017
Flying embers from the main structures at the west end of the nine-acre field ignited bleachers, office buildings, night lighting equipment and three dwellings.

— sacbee, "Bee history: Kidnapped girls found safe in Elk Grove," 11 July 2017
About 30 homes had been evacuated in Landusky, and some firefighters were stationed in town to snuff out any embers dropped by heat and wind currents.

— dan elliott, The Seattle Times, "Wildfire evacuation orders lifted in Colorado, Montana," 8 July 2017
The entire show glowed like the embers of a bonfire from beginning to end.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "Solange glows with cold fire Sunday at Essence Fest," 3 July 2017
The embers in the ovens produced an ethereal glow that promised a flavor no place that plugs in its oven could reproduce.

— andy staples, SI.com, "Where to eat, drink in Atlanta," 30 June 2017
In addition, a United States Forest Service researcher said logging probably would not have made a big difference in the high-altitude fire that is sending embers from tree-to-tree over long distances –

— brady mccombs, The Christian Science Monitor, "Utah representative claims logging could have lessened forest fire damage," 28 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of ember

Middle English eymere, from Old Norse eimyrja; akin to Old English ǣmerge ashes, Latin urere to burn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

EMBER Defined for English Language Learners

ember

noun

Definition of ember for English Language Learners

: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire

EMBER Defined for Kids

ember

noun em·ber \ ˈem-bər \

Definition of ember for Students

:a glowing piece of coal or wood in the ashes from a fire

Learn More about ember

See words that rhyme with ember Spanish Central: Translation of ember Nglish: Translation of ember for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ember for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ember? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

ember

Definition of ember

Recent Examples of ember from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ember

EMBER Defined for English Language Learners

ember

Definition of ember for English Language Learners

EMBER Defined for Kids

ember

Definition of ember for Students

Learn More about ember

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

malign

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

'Regimen' vs. 'Regiment'

'Spox' May Go On The Record

C'mon, Of Course 'Myriad' Is a Noun

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Forms of Government Quiz

Original Meanings Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Word Winder's CrossWinder

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

Trending: McCain: Half-Baked, 'Spurious' Nationalism

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Forms of Government Quiz

Words of the Year: 1066

ember

Definition of ember

Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd

Recent Examples of ember from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ember

EMBER Defined for English Language Learners

ember

Definition of ember for English Language Learners

EMBER Defined for Kids

ember

Definition of ember for Students

Learn More about ember

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

Trending: McCain: Half-Baked, 'Spurious' Nationalism

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Forms of Government Quiz

Words of the Year: 1066