Synonyms

embark

American

[em-bahrk] / ɛmˈbɑrk /

verb (used without object)

to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, as for a journey.
to start an enterprise, business, etc.

verb (used with object)

to put or receive on board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
to involve (someone) in an enterprise.
to venture or invest (something) in an enterprise.

embark British

/ ɛmˈbɑːk /

verb

to board (a ship or aircraft)
(intr; usually foll by on or upon) to commence or engage (in) a new project, venture, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of embark

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French embarquer, from Spanish embarcar; from em- em- ¹ + -barcar, verb derivative of barca bark ³

Explanation

When you embark on something, you are starting it — and it's exciting. You might embark on a new career or embark on a trip to the Galapagos Islands. You wouldn't embark on a trip to the grocery store. The verb embark can be used specifically to refer to boarding a ship for a journey. When used for general travel, the verb embark often implies a longer journey: "She embarked on a trip around the world." Besides physical journeys, embark can be used to mean to start other kinds of journeys as well. You might embark on a spiritual journey or embark on the path to enlightenment. Pack well.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing embark

Vocabulary from "There Will Never Be an Age of Artificial Intimacy," by Sherry Turkle

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Vocabulary from Donald Trump's Victory Speech, November 9, 2016

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Vocabulary from news articles about rescued teenage sailor

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Drivers can once again embark on the state’s most famous road trip, covering the 100 miles between Cambria to the south and Carmel to the north without leaving the two-lane coastal highway.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

The reversals from rivals Altman and Amodei come as their companies -- OpenAI and Anthropic -- are expected to embark on high-profile IPOs that will require broad buy-in from investors to succeed.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

"As we embark on the final season, I am so grateful to Netflix, Paramount, and, most importantly, the fans who have taken this incredible journey with us," he added.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Members of Starmer’s cabinet took to the airwaves Friday to defend their leader and say now isn’t the time to embark on a process to find a new prime minister.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

This is the last note he’ll send before they embark; he’s giving it to a chaplain who came on board to see them off.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023