embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m 

em-

embalmed; embalming; embalms

transitive verb

1

: to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay

2

: to fill with sweet odors : perfume

3

: to protect from decay or oblivion : preserve

embalm a hero's memory

4

: to fix in a static condition

embalmer noun

embalmment

im-ˈbä(l)m-mənt 

em-

noun

Examples of embalm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Students could only practice embalming by traveling to local mortuaries, a logistical nightmare for commuters from as far away as the Bay Area and Bakersfield. —Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025

The embalming technique was notable not just for its efficacy and ingredients, but for what can only be described (to put it delicately) as a rear-entry approach. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025

At the same time, the costs of gasoline, embalming chemicals and staffing have risen. —Susan Shain, New York Times, 15 May 2025

According to an inspection report released Sept. 25 by the Minnesota Department of Health, Wagner stored applesauce in an embalming room at Wagner Funeral Home. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English embaumen, from Anglo-French enbaumer, enbasmer, from en- + basme balm — more at balm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embalm

• aplomb
• balaam
• cocom
• islam
• pogrom
• salaam
• sitcom
• balm
• bom
• bomb
• calm
• dom

Kids Definition

embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m 

: to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay

embalmer noun

embalmment

-mənt 

noun

Medical Definition

embalm

transitive verb

em·​balm

im-ˈbä(l)m, New England also -ˈbȧm

: to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay

embalmer noun

embalmment

-ˈbä(l)m-mənt 

noun