embalm
verb
em·balm
im-ˈbä(l)m 
em-
embalmed; embalming; embalms
1
: to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay
2
: to fill with sweet odors : perfume
3
: to protect from decay or oblivion : preserve
embalm a hero's memory
4
: to fix in a static condition
embalmer
noun
Examples of embalm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers and industry experts said people worry about how conventional death practices such as embalming, fire cremation and casket and vault burials affect the climate, environment and people's health.
—
ABC News, 1 May 2026
Green burial – defined as the burial of human remains without embalming, contained only in a biodegradable shroud or casket – is legal in all 50 states and Washington, but is only offered by a small share of cemeteries.
—Tanya D. Marsh, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
At the funeral home in Texas, Jesse’s body was embalmed, his body bag bearing the official tag from the Medical Examiner’s Office was incinerated, and the mortuary placed a new name tag on Jesse’s ankle.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
The family paid Risher $4,131 for funeral and embalming services in preparation for the funeral held at Casa Funeral Espinoza in Mexico.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embalm
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ABC News, 1 May 2026
Green burial – defined as the burial of human remains without embalming, contained only in a biodegradable shroud or casket – is legal in all 50 states and Washington, but is only offered by a small share of cemeteries.
—Tanya D. Marsh, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
At the funeral home in Texas, Jesse’s body was embalmed, his body bag bearing the official tag from the Medical Examiner’s Office was incinerated, and the mortuary placed a new name tag on Jesse’s ankle.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
The family paid Risher $4,131 for funeral and embalming services in preparation for the funeral held at Casa Funeral Espinoza in Mexico.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for embalm
Cite this Entry
“Embalm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embalm. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
embalm
verb
em·balm
im-ˈbä(l)m
: to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay
embalmer
noun
Medical Definition
embalm
transitive verb
em·balm
im-ˈbä(l)m, New England also -ˈbȧm
: to treat (a dead body) so as to protect from decay
embalmer
noun
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