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

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

While the original design drawings were recovered, the technique for embossing the textile with flowers had been lost. —Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The style, which launched at the end of March, recasts the Gazelle with a natural crepe sole and a silk base embossed with tonal Clot iconography. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2025

Ivana's 8,725-square-foot home features a range of ornate and lavish details, including a crystal chandelier, silk wallpaper and a fireplace embossed with gold. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Packaged in a collector-grade plexiglass cube and embossed with the A$AP Rocky x Ray-Ban logo, every detail nods to exclusivity and innovation. —Essence, 28 July 2025

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
• blas

Kids Definition

emboss

verb

em·​boss

im-ˈbäs,

-ˈbȯs

: to decorate with a raised pattern or design

embosser noun

embossment

-mənt

noun