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

To the ember that never goes out. —Essence, 15 Sep. 2025

While Qatar has not closed the door on mediating peace in Gaza, the talks are at best in limbo, at worst lying in the embers of Israel’s most recent assassination attempt. —Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

After the Boogg burned, bratwurst were cooked by guild members on the embers of the fire, capping a centuries-old tradition that, for us travelers, was whimsical, weird and quintessentially Swiss. —Ben Davidson Correspondent, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025

Some cities already require such ember-resistant zones. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

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