embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk 

embarked; embarking; embarks

intransitive verb

1

: to go on board a vehicle for transportation

the troops embarked at noon

2

: to make a start

embarked on a new career

transitive verb

1

: to cause to go on board (a boat, an airplane, etc.)

2

: to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise

embarkation

ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən 

-bər-

noun

embarkment

im-ˈbärk-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• begin
• commence
• enter (into or upon)
• fall (to)
• get off
• kick off
• launch
• lead off
• open
• start
• strike (into)

Examples of embark in a Sentence

The troops are waiting to embark.

Millions of Europeans embarked for America in the late 19th century.

Recent Examples on the Web

The nuptials will take place on a cruise ship, with guests encouraged to go on the cruise embarking the next day. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025

The wealthier white community, backed by the City of Palm Springs, embarked on a campaign to expel the poorer inhabitants of Section 14 to clear it for business. —Michael Albertus, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025

With Gladstone Gallery in 2022, the Rauschenberg Foundation embarked on showing a body of work that had not been exhibited since the 1970s. —Maddie Klett, ARTnews.com, 14 Jan. 2025

Determined to regain clarity and control, Redman embarked on a period of solitude. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French embarquer, from Old Occitan embarcar, from em- (from Latin in-) + barca bark

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing embark

• embark on/upon

Kids Definition

embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk 

1

: to go or put on board a ship or airplane

2

: to begin some task or project

embark on a career

embarkation

ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən 

noun

embarkment

im-ˈbärk-mənt 

noun