emboss

1 of 2

verb (1)

em·​boss im-ˈbäs How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-ˈbȯs
embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

1
: to raise the surface of into bosses
especially : to ornament with raised work
2
: to raise in relief from a surface
3
embossable adjective
embosser
im-ˈbä-sər How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-ˈbȯ-
noun
embossment noun

emboss

2 of 2

verb (2)

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

archaic
: to drive (a hunted animal) to bay or to exhaustion

Examples of emboss in a Sentence

Verb (1) the simple country church has an aura of serene spirituality that is often missing in more embossed houses of worship
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Its main influence, the Upside Down, is reflected in sweatshirts and matching socks featuring series iconography, including silhouettes of Mike and Eleven on a bike and an image from the first season embossed on a dark sweatshirt. Julia Teti, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024 Heat seeing Blood Red with new Culture uniform, but ‘Hardest Working’ mantra no longer embossed on court ASK IRA: Do the Heat need to get Terry Rozier rolling or turn elsewhere? Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024 Chandeliers formed from golden twigs hang from vaulted ceilings embossed with Arabic designs in relief whilst turquoise sofas are set into alcoves surrounded by arches. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Help him out with this pebble-leather pick from Coach, featuring the brand’s signature embossed print and space for all of his cards and cash. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emboss 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English embosen, from Middle French embocer, from en- + boce boss

Verb (2)

Middle English embosen to become exhausted from being hunted, ultimately from Anglo-French bois woods

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near emboss

Cite this Entry

“Emboss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emboss. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

emboss

verb
em·​boss
im-ˈbäs,
-ˈbȯs
: to decorate with a raised pattern or design
embosser noun
embossment
-mənt
noun

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