embedded

adjective

em·​bed·​ded im-ˈbe-dəd How to pronounce embedded (audio)
1
: occurring as a grammatical constituent (such as a verb phrase or clause) within a like constituent
2
: enclosed closely in or as if in a matrix : set firmly into a mass or material
Every nuclear sample has a host of distinctive attributes, including the exact mix of impurities, the ratio of different radioactive isotopes, even embedded carbon compounds that indicate the sample's age.Discover
3
: attached to a military unit or group for some purpose (such as covering a conflict or providing expert advice)
an embedded journalist
embedded military advisors
4
a
of digital content : drawn from and linked to an external source but displayed or accessed locally
an embedded video
Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.sportsnewsireland.com
b
of a device or system : functioning as part of a larger device rather than as an independent unit or system
a smartphone with embedded sensors
… even low-end cars nowadays have 30 to 50 embedded computers—which means that most vehicles are running millions of lines of software code, controlling everything from the brakes to the air conditioning.John Naughton
embedding noun

Examples of embedded in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One New York Times article that cited Gallant’s mangled misquote sourced the words to an op-ed in another outlet, which sourced them to an X post that featured an embedded TikTok video. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2024 Brainwaves: Using embedded chips, brainwaves can turn into commands and then into actions. Susan Johnston, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2023 Read full article Showers persist with a low prob of embedded thunder into the evening, followed by gradual clearing late tonight. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023 The tattoos are composed of two inks—a zinc oxide ink containing embedded nanowires atop a graphene aerogel conductive ink. IEEE Spectrum, 12 June 2023 According to Gori, interventions have to happen before the age of six, when some of these cognitive changes become more embedded. Christine Ro, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023 But it was considered too bulky for embedded applications. Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2023 The large, embedded infinity pool drops down on the rear to enhance the connection with the sea. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2023 While skimming is not unique to EBT cards, security measures such as contactless payments and embedded microchips have combated it in the credit card industry. Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embedded.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of embedded was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near embedded

Cite this Entry

“Embedded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embedded. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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