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

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

The body would be embalmed and delivered to an unspecified buyer in Fort Collins. —Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 8 June 2025

Moylan is intrigued, personally, by a newer service, green burial, which is to say, O.G. burial: using biodegradable materials and no embalming fluid. —Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

Initially, the job seems straightforward — embalming bodies, completing paperwork, and keeping things tidy. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Apr. 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