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

The mid-1980s saw the opening of Parton’s Dollywood, a theme park in rural Tennessee that embodies the spirit of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and still draws an average of 4 million visitors a year. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

First comes casino gambling embodied in the city’s agreement with Bally’s to build and operate a casino and entertainment complex. — Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Cohen’s brand of comedy revolves around him embodying outlandish characters and then provoking a reaction from onlookers. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

For example, Hank humorously embodies the tension at the heart of American masculinity and fatherhood. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

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