WordGarden.ioembed
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛmbˈɛd/
US
- /ɪmˈbɛd/
Meanings
Verb
to insert digital content or code into a webpage, document, or app
to fix or place something firmly inside a surrounding material or surface
to make an idea, value, habit, or feature an integral part of something
More meaningsFewer meanings
to assign a journalist or observer to live and report from within a group, often a military unit
Noun
an embedded piece of online content or the code used to display it
Beyond the definition
Imagine tiny seeds resting inside an apple. That gives you the basic idea of embed. When you embed something, you put it firmly into something else so it feels like part of it. You can embed a stone in concrete, but you can also embed an idea in someone's mind through stories or repetition. A song that gets stuck in your head can feel embedded there. In the digital world, we often embed videos in websites so they show up directly on the page instead of sending you somewhere else.
To embed means to fix something firmly and deeply within something else. It suggests a secure inclusion, where the inserted item becomes an integral part of the whole. Originally, it described a physical act – like embedding jewels into a crown or setting posts in concrete. "The pirates embedded treasure deep beneath the sand."
However, "embed" has expanded to encompass more abstract meanings. We talk about embedding information within data, meaning to include it as part of the structure. Journalists often embed with military units – living and working alongside them to report firsthand on events. This means they are fully integrated into the unit's daily life.
In technology, "to embed" frequently refers to incorporating content directly into a website or application. For example, you might embed a YouTube video so it plays right on your blog post. This differs from simply linking to the video; embedding makes it appear as if it belongs there.
Figuratively, we can also say ideas, beliefs, or habits are embedded in someone's character – meaning they are deeply ingrained and difficult to change. "Years of practice had embedded a strong work ethic within her."
So whether you're talking about physical objects, digital content, or abstract concepts, "to embed" suggests a secure and lasting kind of inclusion: something becomes part of the whole.
Examples
- 1
Branding
The company logo is embedded in the glass door.
- 2
Web publishing
You can embed the video in your blog post with a single line of code.
- Patternembed + content in a page or post
put it there as part of it
- 3
Road sensors
Several tiny sensors are embedded in the road to measure traffic and temperature.
- 4
Military reporting
A reporter was embedded with the army unit for three weeks.
- Patternembedded with + group
traveling and working closely with that group
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Company culture
Respect for privacy is deeply embedded in the company's culture.
- 6
Education system
Some old ideas are so embedded in the education system that they are hard to change.
- 7
Memory
The sound of her voice is still embedded in my memory.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- embedverb
Forms
- embeddedpast tenseverb
- embedding-ing formverb
- embedsverb