embed

Sometimes im·bed

[em-bed, em-bed]

verb (used with object)

embedded, embedding 

1. to fix into a surrounding mass.

   to embed stones in cement.

2. to surround tightly or firmly; envelop or enclose.

   Thick cotton padding embedded the precious vase in its box.

3. to incorporate or contain as an essential part or characteristic.

   A love of color is embedded in all of her paintings.

4. Histology.,  to infiltrate (a biological tissue) with molten paraffin or other plastic material that later solidifies, enabling the preparation to be sliced very thin for viewing under a microscope.

5. Mathematics.,  to map (a set) into another set.

6. Grammar.,  to insert (a construction, as a phrase or clause) into a larger construction, as a clause or sentence.

7. 1. to assign (a journalist) to travel with a military unit or a political campaign: We've embedded a reporter with each of the presidential candidates.

      The photojournalists were embedded in Afghanistan with U.S. troops.

      We've embedded a reporter with each of the presidential candidates.

   2. to invite (an expert, creative professional, etc.) to work closely with a group or participate in a special event.

      We have embedded writers within our acting companies, and now have playwrights writing pieces for the actors they are working with.

8. Digital Technology.,  to place (text, images, sound, or computer code) in a computer file, HTML document, software program, or electronic device.

   Here's how to embed videos on your website.

verb (used without object)

embedded, embedding 

1. to be or become fixed or incorporated, as into a surrounding mass.

   Glass embeds in the soft tar of the road.

noun

1. a person who has been embedded, as with a military unit.

2. a period of time during which a person is embedded.

embed

/ ɪmˈbɛd /

verb

1. (usually foll by in) to fix or become fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding solid mass

   to embed a nail in wood

2. (tr) to surround closely

   hard rock embeds the roots

3. (tr) to fix or retain (a thought, idea, etc) in the mind

4. (often foll by with) to assign a journalist or be assigned as one to accompany an active military unit

5. (tr) grammar to insert (a subordinate clause) into a sentence

noun

1. a journalist accompanying an active military unit

Other Word Forms

• embedment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of embed¹

First recorded in 1770–80; em- ¹ + bed

Example Sentences

In 2022, Beijing signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands which has seen Chinese police officers embedded across the country, with another policing agreement forged in 2023.

From BBC

A final theme is the struggle for partisan advantage embedded in several cases.

From Salon

These videos were embedded in other innocent content in a successful attempt to avoid content moderation.

From BBC

The familial theme is embedded deep within the organization, Baruch said.

From Los Angeles Times

Our best leaders have helped deliver the progress so far, but all leaders will need to do more as we eradicate the embedded cliques and networks left behind as we clear out the volume.

From BBC

Related Words

• bury 
• enclose 
• fix 
• ingrain 
• inlay 
• insert 
• install 
• lodge