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

Sparks or embers can drift into leaves or grass, triggering a fire that can rapidly propagate. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026

Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026

Now, ex-government whistleblowers are adding fuel to Havana Syndrome’s smoldering embers. —Joe Wilkins Published Mar 11, Futurism, 11 Mar. 2026

But what caused these stellar embers to wax and wane? —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 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
• 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