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

The rules impact what is in the first five feet from a building or structure to better protect it from catching fire due to embers during a wildfire. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

But before a fire even starts, their goal is to remove invasive trees and brush, so when a blaze ignites and the infamous Santa Ana winds are blowing, embers don’t fly into tree canopies or dry vegetation and spread the fire more rapidly. —Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026

After the world’s nuclear annihilation, the Enclave emerged from the ash and embers claiming to be the true inheritor of America. —Jack King, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2026

Roope Hintz broke up Dostál’s shutout in the dying embers. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 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