emboss

American  

[em-baws, -bos] / ɛmˈbɔs, -ˈbɒs /

verb (used with object)

1. to raise or represent (surface designs) in relief.

2. to decorate (a surface) with raised ornament.

3. Metalworking. to raise a design on (a blank) with dies of similar pattern, one the negative of the other.

4. to cause to bulge out; make protuberant.

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emboss British  

/ ɪmˈbɒs /

verb

1. to mould or carve (a decoration or design) on (a surface) so that it is raised above the surface in low relief

2. to cause to bulge; make protrude

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Other Word Forms

• embossable adjective
• embosser noun
• embossment noun
• unembossed adjective

Etymology

Origin of emboss

1350–1400; Middle English embosen < Middle French embocer, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + boce boss ²

Example Sentences

Officials at Sèvres - France's state-owned porcelain factory - also identified some of their items on online auction sites, including a plate embossed with an air force stamp and ashtrays.

From BBC

Six feet tall, richly embossed, enhanced with jewels, crowned with a gilded cross and bearing a dozen gilded angels, it was commissioned by the Spanish king Philip IV, who died before delivery.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her wavy brown hair hangs loose around her face, and she wears a ring embossed with an “E” that her grandmother Elsa gave her when she was young.

From Los Angeles Times

Divers also found white dinner plates stamped with a Royal Navy blue crown emblem, as well as the embossed lettering "Nottingham" on the top of the stern.

From BBC

Starting Dec. 26, Oreo will release its limited-edition Game Day cookies, featuring the signature chocolate cookie embossed with five football-themed designs.

From Salon

Related Words

• adorn
• decorate
• etch