embark
Americanverb (used without object)
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to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, as for a journey.
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to start an enterprise, business, etc.
verb (used with object)
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to put or receive on board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
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to involve (someone) in an enterprise.
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to venture or invest (something) in an enterprise.
verb
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to board (a ship or aircraft)
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(intr; usually foll by on or upon) to commence or engage (in) a new project, venture, etc
Other Word Forms
- embarkation noun
- embarkment noun
- reembark verb
Etymology
Origin of embark
First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French embarquer, from Spanish embarcar; from em- em- 1 + -barcar, verb derivative of barca bark 3
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Heeseung is leaving Enhypen to embark on his solo career.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
“With strategic clarity, disciplined execution, and a solid capital position, we embark on a new phase of value creation,” Chief Executive Luigi Lovaglio said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026
People tend to embark on more expensive renovation projects before selling a house, or just after buying one.
From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026
The Artemis II mission will see four astronauts embark on a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon and back to Earth, paving the way for a future lunar landing.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
It wasn’t that she was particularly anxious to embark on a journey of near-certain doom, but there was always “just one more thing!” when it came to Indian aunties and uncles.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
