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

But what caused these stellar embers to wax and wane? —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026

This passive-aggressive feud continues to feature smoldering embers. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026

And with electrons flying at full bore, the furious single-seater promises to keep igniting the record books into embers and ashes. —New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2026

Neighbors were helping to clean up while rescue teams continued to extinguish the last embers. —ABC News, 6 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