ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

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

Examples of ember in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Winds can cause embers to move past containment lines and ignite new areas. — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026

In the final embers of the match, Haaland and Gabriel literally butted heads, the latter appearing to shove his brow into that of his opponent. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Six days later, powerful Santa Ana winds kicked up smoldering embers that sparked one of Los Angeles’ most devastating infernos. — Char Miller, Time, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ember

• ember day

Rhymes for ember

• member
• crewmember
• december
• dismember
• nonmember
• november
• remember
• september

Kids Definition

ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire

especially : such a piece smoldering in ashes