Meaning & use
embalmers
Last updated
“embalmers” is a form of “embalmer”.
Meaning
nouncountable
People whose job is to treat a dead body with chemicals to keep it from decaying before burial or cremation.
Grammar: Countable noun; singular is embalmer. Use with a plural verb: Embalmers work in funeral homes.
Patterns
- embalmers work in ...
- a team of embalmers
The embalmers prepared the body carefully before the viewing.
Embalmers must follow strict health and safety rules.
She trained as one of the few female embalmers in her city.
Word forms
| singular | embalmer |
|---|
Common combinations
- licensed embalmers
- Only licensed embalmers are allowed to perform the procedure.
- team of embalmers
- A team of embalmers arrived at the funeral home early.
- embalmers use chemicals
- Embalmers use chemicals like formaldehyde to preserve the body.
Synonyms and how they differ
- morticians
- Morticians are funeral directors who arrange funerals; embalmers specifically preserve bodies, though the roles can overlap.
- undertakers
- Undertakers is an older term for funeral directors; embalmers focus on the physical preservation.
Word family
Commonly confused: embalmers or balmers?
embalmers vs balmers
Balmers is not a common word; it might be confused with embalmers, but balm is a soothing ointment, not a preservation method.
Practice
What do embalmers do?
Choose one answer.
Embalmers specifically treat bodies with chemicals to delay decay. Arranging flowers, digging graves, and counseling are done by other funeral professionals.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “embalmers”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.