What does embarking mean?
Embarking is the present participle and gerund of the verb "embark," which has two closely related senses. In its literal meaning, it refers to going on board a ship, aircraft, or other conveyance in order to begin a journey, as when passengers are seen embarking at a terminal or troops are photographed embarking for deployment. More frequently in modern English, the word is used figuratively: someone may be described as embarking on a career, a project, a relationship, or an adventure, always with the preposition "on" or "upon." This figurative sense carries a distinctly hopeful, purposive connotation — embarking suggests a deliberate commitment to something substantial rather than a casual or tentative start. The word derives from the French "embarquer," formed from "em-" plus "barque," a small ship, so every figurative use preserves a nautical image of stepping aboard before setting sail. It is standard throughout British and American English and suits both formal and conversational registers.
verbThe present participle and gerund of "embark": to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle for the start of a journey, or (figuratively) to begin a new project, venture, or course of action.
- To go aboard a vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle in order to begin a journey.
- (Figurative) To start or undertake a new project, enterprise, or phase of life.
"Passengers were embarking on the ferry when the storm warning was issued."
"Hundreds of soldiers stood on the dock, embarking for France at dawn."
"After years of hesitation, she finally felt ready to start embarking on her own business."
Every time you say you're "embarking" on something new, you're literally picturing yourself climbing aboard a medieval sailing ship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of embarking
Embarking comes from the French verb "embarquer", formed from the prefix "em-" and "barque", meaning a small ship or boat, which itself traces back through Late Latin "barca". English adopted the verb "embark" in the sixteenth century, originally in strictly maritime contexts describing the loading of passengers or goods onto ships. Over time, the word developed its now-dominant figurative sense of beginning any undertaking, though the underlying image of setting out to sea remains central to its character.
Related word forms
How embarking is actually used
In the literal travel sense, "embarking" is somewhat formal today, appearing most often in official announcements, shipping notices, and news reporting. The figurative use — almost always followed by the prepositions "on" or "upon" — is very common in both formal and everyday writing and carries a connotation of purposeful new beginnings rather than casual starts.
Easily confused with embarking
"Disembarking" means leaving a ship, aircraft, or vehicle at the end of a journey, whereas "embarking" means boarding it to set out.