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

And that these flying embers can come from a fire that is a mile or more away? —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

The Red Cross is helping eight people whose homes caught fire after embers from the blaze landed on their roofs. —Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 6 May 2026

The combination creates a vortex effect, which pulls hot ash, embers and debris into a spinning column. —Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026

Low-hanging branches can catch fire, and dry leaves or shrubs nearby can ignite from stray embers. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 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