ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər How to pronounce ember (audio)
1
: a glowing fragment (as of coal) from a fire
especially : one smoldering in ashes
2
embers plural : the smoldering remains of a fire
3
embers plural : slowly dying or fading emotions, memories, ideas, or responses still capable of being revived
the embers of his past

Examples of ember in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Triage does have a moment in which an ember of the old cruel optimism flickers. — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Four years after its splashy launch, LIV Golf appears to be little but ash and burning embers. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The regulations seek to reduce the risk of fire following paths of vegetation and flammable materials to homes, and also to help keep homes from catching fire because embers ignited materials beside them. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 The state also requires home hardening measures for the structure itself — from covering vents with mesh to block embers from entering to using fire-resistant building materials — for all new constructions since 2008. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ember

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eymere, from Old Norse eimyrja; akin to Old English ǣmerge ashes, Latin urere to burn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ember was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ember

Rhymes for ember

See All Rhymes for ember

Browse Nearby Words

embellishment
ember
ember day
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ember.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ember. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

ember

noun
em·​ber ˈem-bər How to pronounce ember (audio)
: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire
especially : such a piece smoldering in ashes
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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