embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
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 noun
embarkment noun

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
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.
The last outing that the Prince and Princess of Wales embarked on a Royal trip together on their anniversary. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 3 May 2025 The narrative follows Li, a screenwriter played by Shim, who embarks on a journey of self-reflection following a chance meeting with Benzo (Tsutsumi). Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 May 2025 Juan Salvo – played by Ricardo Darín – and his friends embark on a desperate struggle for survival. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 2 May 2025 More than 600 cyclists will embark on a 400-mile ride along the Erie Canal towpath and part of the Empire State Trail from Buffalo to Albany. Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for embark

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embark was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embark. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

embark

verb
em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
1
: to go or put on board a ship or airplane
2
: to begin some task or project
embark on a career
embarkation noun
embarkment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embark

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!