An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function. Embedded systems might also function within a larger system. These systems can be programmable or have a fixed functionality. Embedded systems are used today to control numerous devices. For example, they're used in industrial machines, consumer electronics, agricultural and processing industry devices, automobiles, medical devices, cameras, digital watches, household appliances, airplanes ... The adjective embedded describes something that is encased in a surrounding substance. On a walking tour of Fredericksburg, Virginia, you can see buildings with embedded Civil War cannonballs. The meaning of EMBEDDED is occurring as a grammatical constituent (such as a verb phrase or clause) within a like constituent. How to use embedded in a sentence. Definition of embed verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning , pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.