embody

verb

em·​body im-ˈbä-dē How to pronounce embody (audio)
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 lifeA. M. Schlesinger born 1917
embodier noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Either way, the new pope embodies all the complexities of being an American, serving as an authentic ambassador of our history and culture. Rebecca R. Bibbs, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 In moments that matter, leadership impact hinges on your ability to project clarity, embody authentic presence and forge genuine connection. Lynn Smith, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Giorgio Armani Mare is the women’s and men’s collection that embodies Giorgio Armani’s aesthetic. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 May 2025 Thune, who has in mind an optimistic deadline of July 4 to pass a budget reconciliation measure that would embody Trump’s key tax and spending policies, can only lose a maximum of three votes. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for embody

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embody was circa 1548

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Cite this Entry

“Embody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embody. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

embody

verb
em·​body im-ˈbäd-ē How to pronounce embody (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on embody

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