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

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
What’s distinct about it is the waffle pattern embossed in the paper, also known as a Z grill. Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 The Special Lite Hummingbird Mailbox takes flight with its detailed and embossed hummingbird design. Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 To add an even more personal touch, the carton is embossed with Kylie’s birthday, Aug. 10, 1997, in Roman numerals. Ayesha Rajan, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 These sheets, which are 100% Egyptian cotton and OEKO-TEX Certified, have a silky feel, high-quality drape, embossed tonal stripe, and heavier weight. Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2024 Rather than painting your entire nail in this bold texture, Legend suggests embossing French tips with the design in earth tones. Annie Blay, Allure, 20 Feb. 2024 The designer was stationed in the lobby offering guests the opportunity to have their name personally embossed on their purchase. Anna Haines, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Cups were embossed with the Lions logo and 1800 Tequila branding. Detroit Free Press, 22 Jan. 2024 It can also be used to emboss your next pottery project. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emboss.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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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