embark

verb

em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
embarked; embarking; embarks
Synonyms of embarknext

intransitive verb

1
: to go on board a vehicle for transportation
the troops embarked at noon
2
: to make a start
embarked on a new career

transitive verb

1
: to cause to go on board (a boat, an airplane, etc.)
2
: to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise
embarkation
ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce embark (audio)
-bər-
noun
embarkment
im-ˈbärk-mənt How to pronounce embark (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of embark in a Sentence

The troops are waiting to embark. Millions of Europeans embarked for America in the late 19th century.
Recent Examples on the Web Following his summer stint, Davido embarked on the European leg, which had stops in the U.K., Germany, Denmark, Sweden and France. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024 Under his leadership, the parks have embarked on major capital projects, including new lands such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Avengers Campus. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embark 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embark.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French embarquer, from Old Occitan embarcar, from em- (from Latin in-) + barca bark

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embark was in 1533

Phrases Containing embark

Dictionary Entries Near embark

embargo

embark

embark on/upon

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Embark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embark. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

embark

verb
em·​bark im-ˈbärk How to pronounce embark (audio)
1
: to go or put on board a ship or airplane
2
: to begin some task or project
embark on a career
embarkation
ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce embark (audio)
noun
embarkment
im-ˈbärk-mənt How to pronounce embark (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on embark

Nglish: Translation of embark for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of embark for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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