emboss

1 of 2

verb (1)

em·​boss im-ˈbäs 

-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

: adorn, embellish

embossable

im-ˈbä-sə-bəl 

-ˈbȯ-

adjective

embosser

im-ˈbä-sər 

-ˈbȯ-

noun

embossment

im-ˈbä-smənt 

-ˈbȯ-

noun

emboss

2 of 2

verb (2)

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

archaic

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

Synonyms of emboss

Verb (1)

• decorate
• adorn

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

Verb

Other paintings and drawings are reproduced through embroidery, embossing and enameled charms, which adorn decorative chains. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

Next, start embossing your design onto the can using an embossing tool or another object with a small, hard tip like a pencil, toothpick, or empty ballpoint pen. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

If writing fiction about New York in the 1980s invites comparisons with Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities and Jay McInerney’s Bright Lights, Big City, Whitehead should have the invitations embossed in gold relief. — David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

The same can be said for these glossy, clear nails, which look embossed with a barely there heart. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 13 July 2026

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

Rhymes for emboss

• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas
• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• menelaus

Kids Definition

emboss

verb

em·​boss

im-ˈbäs, 

-ˈbȯs

: to decorate with a raised pattern or design

embosser noun

embossment

-mənt

noun