English Reference
Verb

embed

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ɪmˈbɛd/ UK /ɛmbˈɛd/ em·bed UK spelling embeds Computing Mathematics

v.to fix something firmly and deeply into a surrounding mass. You can use it for physical objects or for digital things like videos on a website.

v.to fix an object or idea firmly and deeply in a surrounding mass; in digital contexts, to integrate external content into a document or webpage. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

You can embed the video directly into your blog post.

CONTEXTUAL

The jeweler had to embed the small diamond securely into the gold ring to prevent it from falling out.

COMPLEX

The software allows users to embed complex spreadsheets into their presentations, ensuring that any updates to the source data are reflected in the slides automatically.

Usage

The verb is transitive and typically takes the preposition 'in' or 'into'.

Pitfall
The video is embed on the pageThe video is embedded on the page

Learners often forget the -ed ending when using 'embed' as a passive participle.

Usage deeply embed · embed in

New York just launched the Public Interest Technology Crew , which embeds technology specialists in agencies to solve problems for residents.

Phys.org· 1 Sept 2026

It can also help them buy protection from compromised officials and allow organizations to embed themselves more deeply in local economies.

The Conversation· 10 Aug 2026

From em- + bed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated