embed

[ verb em-bed; noun em-bed ]

/ verb ɛmˈbɛd; noun ˈɛmˌbɛd /

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See synonyms for: embed / embedded / embedding on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), em·bed·ded, em·bed·ding.

to fix into a surrounding mass: to embed stones in cement.

to surround tightly or firmly; envelop or enclose: Thick cotton padding embedded the precious vase in its box.

to incorporate or contain as an essential part or characteristic: A love of color is embedded in all of her paintings.

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.

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

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

to assign (a journalist) to travel with a military unit or a political campaign: The photojournalists were embedded in Afghanistan with U.S. troops.We've embedded a reporter with each of the presidential candidates.
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.

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), em·bed·ded, em·bed·ding.

to be or become fixed or incorporated, as into a surrounding mass: Glass embeds in the soft tar of the road.

noun

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

a period of time during which a person is embedded.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Sometimes im·bed

[im-bed] /ɪmˈbɛd/ .

Origin of embed

First recorded in 1770–80; em-¹ + bed

OTHER WORDS FROM embed

em·bed·ment, noun

Words nearby embed

embattlement, embay, embayment, Embden, Embden-Meyerhof pathway, embed, embedded, embedded microchips, embedding, embellish, embellishment

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use embed in a sentence

Three photographers document the toll of an implacable and unforgiving warI had done embeds with the group in 2019 and 2020, when I photographed its commanders and fighters.
After the Fall: What Afghanistan Looks Like Since the Taliban Takeover|Lorenzo Tugnoli|August 4, 2022|Washington Post
If you missed the event, you can watch the entire thing in the embed below, or catch up on our reporters’ perspectives in the live blog below.
‘The Last of Us Part II’ wins game of the year at The Game Awards, alongside new ‘Mass Effect’ and ‘Among Us’ reveals|Elise Favis, Gene Park, Mikhail Klimentov|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
Certain industries are in a unique position to embed these principles into their core business activities.
How Your Company Can End Violence Against Girls|Gary Cohen|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The challenge is to embed the “cultural expectation” of a service year.
It’s Time for Obama to Heed McChrystal’s Call for the ‘Service Year’|Jonathan Alter|June 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Since 1998, the G7 had been widened to include Russia—part of a broader effort to embed Russia in a stable international order.
The West Can Ally Against Russia But It Needs Global Cooperation|Bruce Jones|March 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I really wish I could embed this here, but alas, not all things work out.
All the Eye-Witnessed Meteorites Since 861 AD|Justin Green|May 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I can't embed it here, but clicking on the image will take you there.
Explaining the Filibuster|Justin Green|December 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Often a whining bullet grazes us; but most of them fly above us right across the hollow, to embed themselves in the further side.
'Neath Verdun, August-October, 1914|Maurice Genevoix
Something whizzed past her, to embed itself in a tree trunk six inches from her head.
Whispering Walls|Mildred A. Wirt
More or less of the emery will embed itself in the lead, and thus act as an abrasive.
Practical Mechanics for Boys|J. S. Zerbe
It is not rule-of-thumb to find the tension in plain concrete and then embed steel in that concrete to take that tension.
Some Mooted Questions in Reinforced Concrete Design|Edward Godfrey
As I rose, a Cayuga youth seized me and threw me heavily against the post I had seen the woman embed in the mud.
Cardigan|Robert W. Chambers

British Dictionary definitions for embed

embed

imbed

/ (ɪmˈbɛd) /

verb -beds, -bedding or -bedded

(usually foll by in) to fix or become fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding solid massto embed a nail in wood

(tr) to surround closelyhard rock embeds the roots

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

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

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

noun (ˈɪmbɛd)

a journalist accompanying an active military unit

Derived forms of embed

embedment, noun

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

embed

Origin of embed

OTHER WORDS FROM embed

Words nearby embed

Words related to embed

How to use embed in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for embed

imbed

Derived forms of embed