embalm

verb

em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m How to pronounce embalm (audio)
em-
embalmed; embalming; embalms

transitive verb

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
embalmment noun

Examples of embalm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Licensing requirements can vary by state, and some states require additional licenses for different aspects of mortuary science and funeral direction, such as cremation, running a funeral home or embalming, according to Indeed.com. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 Sheriff’s deputies escorted his corpse to the nearest mortuary, where undertaker Joseph Johnson embalmed him with arsenic and waited for someone to claim the body. Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025 The first was molecules from embalming ingredients such as oils, waxes and unguents. Sarah Everts, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 The first, an embalming student, reportedly saw Laudermilk stab the corpse twice in the groin before cutting off the corpse's genitals and placing them in its mouth. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for embalm

Word History

Etymology

Middle English embaumen, from Anglo-French enbaumer, enbasmer, from en- + basme balm — more at balm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embalm was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embalm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embalm. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

embalm

verb
em·​balm im-ˈbä(l)m How to pronounce embalm (audio)
: to treat a dead body with special preparations to preserve it from decay
embalmer noun
embalmment 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
embalmment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embalm

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