Embers: meaning, definitions and examples

Embers are glowing pieces of coal or wood after a fire has burned down. They are typically used when describing something that is still glowing but not fully aflame.

• The campfire had died down to just embers, casting a soft, orange light.
• We roasted marshmallows over the glowing embers.

Ashes are the powdery residue left after the combustion of a substance. This word is used when the fire has completely burned out, and only a fine, grey material remains.

• After the fire, all that was left of the house were ashes.
• He scattered the ashes of the late fire across the field.

Coals refer to pieces of wood or other combustible material that have burned down and are still hot. They are often associated with barbecues, grilling, or sustaining a fire.

• The coals in the grill were perfect for cooking the steaks.
• Don't let the coals go out; we need them to keep the fire going.

Used when talking about the glowing pieces of wood or coal left in a fire that is slowly fading out.

• As the night grew darker, we gathered around the last embers of the campfire.
• She stared into the embers, lost in thought.

Refers to small remaining parts or traces of something that has been mostly destroyed or removed. Used in a more general sense.

• They found remnants of the ancient civilization buried beneath the desert sands.
• The remnants of last night's dinner were still on the table.

Usually refers to the remaining small parts or traces of something that was once larger or more significant. Often used in historical or biological contexts.

• The ruins were the last vestiges of a once-great empire.
• Scientists found vestiges of prehistoric creatures in the newly discovered cave.