embed

verb

em·​bed im-ˈbed How to pronounce embed (audio)
variants or less commonly imbed
embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding; embeds also imbeds

transitive verb

1
a
: to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix
fossils embedded in stone
b
: to make something an integral part of
the prejudices embedded in our language
c
: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
d
: to insert (a media file, such as a graphic, video, or audio clip) into a computer document (as on a website or in an email)
Marketers embed advertisements in subscription mailing-list messages to reach target audiences.Matthew Mills
The company … lets users embed video and audio attachments in E-mail messages.Matt Richtel
2
a
: to attach (a journalist) to a military unit for the purpose of covering a conflict
Ever since the American-led invasion of Iraq last year, when hundreds of journalists were embedded with military units, people in media circles have been debating whether journalists lose their professional detachment under such circumstances and begin to identify too closely with the troops they are covering.Robert D. Kaplan
b
: to attach (someone) to a group (such as a military unit or government agency) for the purpose of advising, training, or treating its members
Implementation of the plan to embed behavior specialists at the brigade level will result in 50 positions being staffed between now and 2013.Philip Grey
Dr. Dawdy … is one of the more unusual relief workers among the thousands who have come to the devastated expanses of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She is officially embedded with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a liaison to the state's historic preservation office.John Schwartz
3
: to surround closely
a sweet pulp embeds the plum seed
embedment noun

Examples of embed in a Sentence

embed a post in concrete the nails were solidly embedded in those old plaster walls
Recent Examples on the Web It was embedded in 769 pages of drafts and notes, housed in the University of Texas at Austin’s Harry Ransom Center. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2024 Just this idea of manufacturing is so embedded in Wisconsin culture. Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 In fact, as AI becomes embedded across more aspects of daily life, the values upon which its decisions and behaviors are based emerge as critical product features. François Candelon, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 The remains of this ancient forest are embedded in sandstone along the coast of southwest England and date back about 390 million years ago. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024 For months, conservatives have pushed for policy riders to be embedded within the funding legislation. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2024 Nevertheless, the Xiao Xia that Huang Qishan has bestowed upon the world and herself is already deeply embedded in the hearts of every attentive listener. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 In the second method, the researchers say, an image with a malicious prompt embedded makes the email assistant forward the message on to others. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2024 What to Consider The 376-room property is right on the corner of Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue, so it's embedded in the (sometimes touristy) South Beach scene. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 29 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1794, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of embed was circa 1794

Dictionary Entries Near embed

Cite this Entry

“Embed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

embed

verb
em·​bed
variants also imbed
im-ˈbed
embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding
1
: to enclose in or as if in a surrounding mass : set solidly in or as if in a bed
embed a post in concrete
2
: to prepare (material for use under a microscope) for cutting by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance (as paraffin)

Medical Definition

embed

transitive verb
em·​bed
variants also imbed
embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding
: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
embedment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embed

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