emboss

1 of 2

verb (1)

em·​boss im-ˈbäs 

-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

: adorn, embellish

embossable

im-ˈbä-sə-bəl 

-ˈbȯ-

adjective

embosser

im-ˈbä-sər 

-ˈbȯ-

noun

embossment

im-ˈbä-smənt 

-ˈbȯ-

noun

emboss

2 of 2

verb (2)

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

archaic

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

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• adorn
• array
• beautify
• bedeck
• bedizen
• blazon
• caparison
• deck
• decorate
• do
• do up
• doll up
• drape
• dress
• embellish
• emblaze
• enrich
• fancify
• fancy up
• festoon
• garnish
• glitz (up)
• grace
• gussy up
• ornament
• pretty (up)
• trim

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

Verb

Made from Nappa leather and embossed with the brand’s logo, this luggage tag’s quality stands out without being too flashy. —Amy Jurries, AFAR Media, 20 Dec. 2024

The antique nickel embossed button adds a nice touch, and the jeans come in both blue and black to suit her color preference. —Rana Good, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Standout interior features include an eight-way power passenger seat, a 10-way power driver seat, embossed accent trim, heated front seats, second-row captain chairs, and SynTex upholstery. —Doug Newcomb, PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024

The tome is encased in a white-bronze clamshell, etched with Jay-Z lyrics and embossed with the book’s title. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

emboss

verb

em·​boss

im-ˈbäs,

-ˈbȯs

: to decorate with a raised pattern or design

embosser noun

embossment

-mənt

noun