ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

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

Aboard ship, Stimson and Bean engaged in lifeboat drills, drew heavy black curtains across windows at dusk and refrained from smoking on deck at night lest a German submarine spot the orange glow of an ember. —Catherine Musemeche, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

In just minutes, embers were spotted a mile away from the initial spark. —Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025

Replacing wood roofs and using non-combustible siding is key, as well as covering the openings to attics and crawl spaces with a fine mesh so embers can't fly inside. —Lauren Sommer, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025

Its crackling embers, bedazzled glitter and dances to salsa Caleña beats soothe and heal in equal measure, but also implore audiences to join in on the fun. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing ember

• ember day

Rhymes for ember

• member
• december
• dismember
• nonmember
• november
• remember
• september

Kids Definition

ember

noun

em·​ber ˈem-bər 

: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire

especially : such a piece smoldering in ashes