# embed

/ɪmˈbɛd/ (US) · /ɛmbˈɛd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/embed
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You can embed the video directly into your blog post.
- The jeweler had to embed the small diamond securely into the gold ring to prevent it from falling out.
- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The video is embed on the page" but "The video is embedded on the page" — Learners often forget the -ed ending when using 'embed' as a passive participle.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.