variants
or less commonly imbed
embedded also imbedded; embedding also imbedding; embeds also imbeds
1
a
: to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix
fossils embedded in stone
b
: to make something an integral part of
the prejudices embedded in our language
c
: to prepare (a microscopy specimen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and enclosing in a supporting substance
d
: to insert (a media file, such as a graphic, video, or audio clip) into a computer document (as on a website or in an email)
Marketers embed advertisements in subscription mailing-list messages to reach target audiences.—Matthew Mills
The company … lets users embed video and audio attachments in E-mail messages.—Matt Richtel
2
a
: to attach (a journalist) to a military unit for the purpose of covering a conflict
One of six Iraqi journalists who will be embedded with U.S. and Iraqi troops …—Tom Lasseter
Ever since the American-led invasion of Iraq last year, when hundreds of journalists were embedded with military units, people in media circles have been debating whether journalists lose their professional detachment under such circumstances and begin to identify too closely with the troops they are covering.—Robert D. Kaplan
b
: to attach (someone) to a group (such as a military unit or government agency) for the purpose of advising, training, or treating its members
Implementation of the plan to embed behavior specialists at the brigade level will result in 50 positions being staffed between now and 2013.—Philip Grey
Dr. Dawdy … is one of the more unusual relief workers among the thousands who have come to the devastated expanses of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She is officially embedded with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a liaison to the state's historic preservation office.—John Schwartz
3
: to surround closely
a sweet pulp embeds the plum seed
: to become embedded
Cite this Entry
“Embed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embed. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.
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