emboss

1 of 2

verb (1)

em·​boss im-ˈbäs How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-ˈbȯs
embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

1
: to raise the surface of into bosses
especially : to ornament with raised work
2
: to raise in relief from a surface
3
embossable adjective
embosser
im-ˈbä-sər How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-ˈbȯ-
noun
embossment noun

emboss

2 of 2

verb (2)

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

archaic
: to drive (a hunted animal) to bay or to exhaustion

Examples of emboss in a Sentence

Verb (1) the simple country church has an aura of serene spirituality that is often missing in more embossed houses of worship
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.
Verb
Chandeliers formed from golden twigs hang from vaulted ceilings embossed with Arabic designs in relief whilst turquoise sofas are set into alcoves surrounded by arches. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Help him out with this pebble-leather pick from Coach, featuring the brand’s signature embossed print and space for all of his cards and cash. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024 The coin was embossed with an image of the former president raising his fist after the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Craig Silverman, ProPublica, 31 Oct. 2024 His Twisted Box Bag made its debut in 2014 and now appears in smooth black leather, embossed with Louis Vuitton's famous Monogram motif. Felix Bischof, theweek, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emboss 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English embosen, from Middle French embocer, from en- + boce boss

Verb (2)

Middle English embosen to become exhausted from being hunted, ultimately from Anglo-French bois woods

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emboss was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near emboss

Cite this Entry

“Emboss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emboss. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

emboss

verb
em·​boss
im-ˈbäs,
-ˈbȯs
: to decorate with a raised pattern or design
embosser noun
embossment
-mənt
noun

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