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 rooms The resort's rooms embody midcentury British-Caribbean elegance, featuring open interiors, marble bathrooms, and private balconies with beach views. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

The space was designed to embody the brand’s values of lightness, elegance and modern femininity through a welcoming and warm environment. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

But last night, Rihanna embodied the brief during dinner at her beloved Giorgio Baldi. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

While there were very few actual moratoriums, the Democratic sweep embodied voter frustrations over the proliferation of data centers. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Nov. 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