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

But for the past five years, Durie, a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist, has been working on a project that’s even bigger than television—a biophilic home that fully embodies his personal vision of sustainable luxury. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025

Jhené Aiko will receive the Glow Getter Award, which honors women who embody wellness, self-care and purpose. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025

Mills was selected for his academic excellence, creative sensitivity and dedication, embodying the values that made Renne a fundamental figure in the fashion world. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025

Born in 1999 in Clarksdale, Kingfish, 26, embodies the next generation of Delta blues. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 Nov. 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