obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwer-ē  ō- 

-ˈbi-chə-rē

plural obituaries

: a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account

obituarist

ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwər-ist

ō- 

-ˈbi-chə-rist

noun

obituary adjective

Synonyms

• necrology
• obit

Examples of obituary in a Sentence

I read her obituary in the newspaper.

several obituaries for Herman Melville portrayed him as an obscure, largely forgotten author

Recent Examples on the Web

Scarfe was the recipient of numerous awards over the course of his career and lifetime, according to his obituary, including the 1985 Genie Award, a 2005 Jessie Award, a 2006 Austin Fantastic Fest Jury Prize and the Vancouver Film Critics Circle honorary award for lifetime achievement. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024

An obituary on Sunday about the Medal of Honor recipient Clarence Sasser referred incorrectly to American casualties during a Vietnam War battle on Jan. 10, 1968. —New York Times, 6 June 2024

Eminem’s forthcoming album will likely execute his longstanding alter-ego Slim Shady (as seen in a recent fake obituary released in the Detroit Free Press). —August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024

Understandably, this mostly received passing references at best in the recent obituaries and commentaries, so huge was Walton’s life and legacy. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin obituārium, noun derivative of Medieval Latin obituārius "of death, recording records or dates of death," from Latin obitu-, stem of obitus "death" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at obit

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbich-ə-ˌwer-ē 

plural obituaries

: a notice of a person's death (as in a newspaper)

obituary adjective