emboss

1 of 2

verb (1)

em·​boss im-ˈbäs How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-ˈbȯs
embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

1
: to raise the surface of into bosses
especially : to ornament with raised work
2
: to raise in relief from a surface
3
embossable adjective
embosser
im-ˈbä-sər How to pronounce emboss (audio)
-ˈbȯ-
noun
embossment noun

emboss

2 of 2

verb (2)

embossed; embossing; embosses

transitive verb

archaic
: to drive (a hunted animal) to bay or to exhaustion

Examples of emboss in a Sentence

Verb (1) the simple country church has an aura of serene spirituality that is often missing in more embossed houses of worship
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.
Verb
The custom bodycon dress — a sneak peek of the fashion label's upcoming Fall-Winter 2025 collection — featured a patchwork design in black crocodile skin print embossed leather and chainmail, according to the brand. Erin Clack, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 The pins are in the shape of a pale blue heart and embossed with a music note. Abigail Lee, Variety, 2 Feb. 2025 Zac Brown and Marcus King Playing an acoustic guitar with his name embossed along the neck, Brown reminded that the roots of the Dead run quietly in the veins of the Zac Brown Band. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025 There is also a coffee mug, embossed with the seal of the SS, and German beer bottles. Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for emboss 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English embosen, from Middle French embocer, from en- + boce boss

Verb (2)

Middle English embosen to become exhausted from being hunted, ultimately from Anglo-French bois woods

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near emboss

Cite this Entry

“Emboss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emboss. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

emboss

verb
em·​boss
im-ˈbäs,
-ˈbȯs
: to decorate with a raised pattern or design
embosser noun
embossment
-mənt
noun

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