em-

¹

1. variant of en- before b, p, and sometimes m:

   embalm.

em-

²

1. variant of en- before b, m, p, ph:

   embolism, emphasis.

em

³

[em]

noun

plural

ems 

1. the letter M, m.

2. Also called mut, mutton. Printing.

   1. the square of any size of type used as the unit of measurement for matter printed in that type size.

   2. (originally) the portion of a line of type occupied by the letter M in type of the same size.

3. em pica.

adjective

1. Printing.,  having the area of an em quad or the length of an em dash.

'em

⁴

[uhm]

pronoun

Informal.

1. them.

   Put 'em down there.

Em

⁵

Symbol, Physical Chemistry.

1. emanation.

EM

⁶

abbreviation

1. electromagnetic.

2. electromotive.

3. electronic mail.

4. electron microscope; electron microscopy.

5. end matched.

6. Engineer of Mines.

7. enlisted man; enlisted men.

E.M.

⁷

abbreviation

1. Earl Marshal.

2. Engineer of Mines.

em

¹

/ ɛm /

noun

1. Also called: mutton.  mut. the square of a body of any size of type, used as a unit of measurement

2. Also called: pica em.  pica. a unit of measurement used in printing, equal to one sixth of an inch

'em

²

/ əm /

pronoun

1. an informal variant of them

em-

³

prefix

1. before b, m, and p, a variant of en- 1 en- 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of em¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Origin of em²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English hem, Old English heom, dative and accusative plural of he ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of em¹

C19: from the name of the letter M

Example Sentences

Kilmeade added: “Or involuntary lethal injection or something — just kill ‘em.”

From Los Angeles Times

Kilmeade responded, “Or involuntary lethal injection … or something. Just kill ’em.”

From Salon

It featured a medley of songs from her most recent album, the country-infused “Cowboy Carter,” including “16 Carriages,” her rendition of the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” “Ya Ya,” “My House” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin,” “Spaghettii/Riiverdance,” “Levii’s Jeans,” her cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and the lead single, “Texas Hold ’Em.”

From Los Angeles Times

You know what — I think I watched ’em.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond the silver screen, Beyoncé wore heart-shaped, reflective underwear on the cover of “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Chappell Roan sported a sequined marching band leotard for the “Hot to Go!” music video, and dangly, yellow earrings completed Billie Eilish’s look in the “What Was I Made For?” video — all pieces pulled from Palace.

From Los Angeles Times