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

Wildfires can burn for weeks after full containment is reached and even after fire personnel leave if no risk remains to embers restarting a blaze. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024

The metal roof likely helped impede one of the main ways that a fire spreads: from embers. —Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Sep. 2024

The embers in the grate have long gone cold, and when Thomas gets back he’ll be drenched. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 22 Aug. 2024

Mika Olesen, 20, who lives in Castaic, a suburban outpost northwest of Santa Clarita, said smoke and embers have been blown into town since Saturday evening. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024

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

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