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

When torched with embers, the fire burned up to the 5-foot perimeter and then halted. —Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025

Mayan Octopus At Woodend by Curtis Stone in the Riviera Maya, local octopus is grilled over embers and glazed with pineapple gastrique and chili chilhuacle romesco. —Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

Inter have used modest talent acquisition while fanning the last embers of ageing veterans to consistently cobble together rosters that compete for trophies across Europe. —Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 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