embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbä-dē 

embodied; embodying

transitive verb

1

: to give a body to (a spirit) : incarnate

2

a

: to deprive of spirituality

b

: to make concrete and perceptible

3

: to cause to become a body or part of a body : incorporate

4

: to represent in human or animal form : personify

… men who greatly embodied the idealism of American life …

—A. M. Schlesinger born 1917

embodier noun

Synonyms of embody

• integrate
• incorporate
• assimilate

Examples of embody in a Sentence

The legislature embodied a revenue provision in the new law.

they must embody their ideas in substantial institutions if they are to survive

Recent Examples on the Web

It's made to embody a gingerbread house, with a liftable roof where the candle hides. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025

The brand-new Zodiac Collection features a set of 12 fine fragrance mists crafted to embody each zodiac sign’s most iconic traits. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Puako embodies all that is relevant to us. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025

And here Mehta was, embodying that point. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embody

• blackbody
• samadhi
• somebody
• afterbody
• antibody
• busybody
• everybody
• autoantibody
• bawdy
• body
• gaudy
• khadi

Kids Definition

embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbäd-ē 

embodied; embodying

1

: to give definite form to

embodied her ideas in suitable words

2

: to cause to become a body or a part of a body or system

the Constitution embodies the fundamental laws of the United States

3

: to represent in visible form

a leader who embodies courage

embodier noun