embark
Americanverb (used without object)
-
embarks,
present (3rd person singular)
-
embarked,
past participle, past
-
embarking
present participle
-
to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, as for a journey.
-
to start an enterprise, business, etc.
verb (used with object)
-
embarks,
present (3rd person singular)
-
embarked,
past participle, past
-
embarking
present participle
-
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.
verb
-
to board (a ship or aircraft)
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(intr; usually foll by on or upon) to commence or engage (in) a new project, venture, etc
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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embarksimple
-
embarkssimple
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have embarkedperfect
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has embarkedperfect
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am embarkingprogressive
-
are embarkingprogressive
-
is embarkingprogressive
-
have been embarkingperfect progressive
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has been embarkingperfect progressive
Past
-
embarkedsimple
-
had embarkedperfect
-
was embarkingprogressive
-
were embarkingprogressive
-
had been embarkingperfect progressive
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.
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.
See Examples For:
In April, Mr. Noseda and the NSO embark on a 10-day, five-state tour.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
A representative of the local trekking authority, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, said some 700 trekkers were still waiting in Pokhara to embark on the Annapurna Circuit.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
However, the couple are now preparing to embark on a new chapter outside the Golden State, with a source telling Realtor.com that they are leaving California.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026
Once it was built, there was no choice but to embark on an ongoing love letter to L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
He had the time and the clarity about suffering to embark on the upward path of liberation, which would take him many lives to follow.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
As the long-running sketch comedy series embarks on a new season, here’s a look at the lineup of guest hosts, new players, sketches you can expect and the lingering question of Lorne Michaels.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026
Odysseus, a star player for the Achaeans, fresh off a stunning victory over rival Troy, embarks on an international tournament against a series of forbidding opponents.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
Until it embarks on a sustained and meaningful cultural shift, working cooperatively with patients and families, many fear it will continue to fail mothers and babies.
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026
According to the post, Nautas’ name evokes the spirit of a “sailor, navigator, voyager, one who embarks on a journey and fears not the unknown.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2026
But if he embarks in business on his own account, he always exposes his capital to some, and in many cases to very great, danger of partial or total loss.
From Principles Of Political Economy Abridged with Critical, Bibliographical, and Explanatory Notes, and a Sketch of the History of Political Economy by John Stuart Mill
The Savannah Bananas embarked on their first so-called world tour five years ago.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
Back in the spring, before “La Bola Negra” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Guitarrica embarked on his first U.S. tour, stopping in Los Angeles at the Roxy in March.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026
In the months afterward, he embarked on an ill-advised expedition to find gold in the headwaters of the Columbia River in Canada.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
Last year, India’s election authority embarked on a sweeping program to clean up voter lists across the country, arguing the move was required to preserve electoral integrity by, for instance, removing fraudulent or deceased voters.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
Now he himself embarked, lay down, lay still, while oarsmen took their places at the rowlocks all in order.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
Under the direction of new CEO Josh D’Amaro, the company is embarking on a path toward becoming a “more efficient” and “much smaller organization,” leaning on further internal consolidation and more external deals.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
The 407-foot-tall rocket is embarking on a nearly 10-hour mission in which it is to complete six orbits around the Earth before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026
Now the RSS is embarking on an international tour designed to build recognition and credibility beyond India, and is facing resistance in the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026
Last year Erewhon‘s chief executive, Tony Antoci, said the company was embarking on a new era called “Erewhon 2.0” and would include a “wave of expansion.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
I happen to be embarking on a motoring trip during the course of which I hope to see many splendid views.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
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