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 blaze had been declared fixed earlier in the week before gusts revived embers Friday and sent it racing through dry hills in temperatures approaching 108 degrees. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Fire crews and citizens are now dousing smoking embers — a job that could take weeks. — ABC News, 31 July 2026

Fire officials in New South Wales reported that embers from the fire storm were landing 18 miles ahead of the front, three times more than the usual distance, said the BBC. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 29 July 2026

Firefighters hose down embers close to a road as water helicopters target a nearby stand of trees. — Gerry Hadden, Christian Science Monitor, 27 July 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