burial

noun

buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl How to pronounce burial (audio)
ˈbe-rē-
also ˈbər-ē-
Synonyms of burialnext
often attributive
1
: grave, tomb
2
: the act or process of burying

Synonyms of burial

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Examples of burial in a Sentence

They prepared the body for burial. She wanted to give him a proper burial. Did you attend the burial? The law prohibits the burial of toxic substances without special permits.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Graham’s burial is a private family affair, and the services planned in the nation’s capital are closed to the public. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 22 July 2026 An unexcavated burial shaft within his tomb may reveal more information about him and his role in the Egyptian Empire. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026 Community resistance to Ebola teams, particularly those carrying out safe and dignified burials, has also hampered response. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 In the neighboring town, local tradition also places it as the burial site of John the Baptist. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for burial

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beriel, berial, back-formation from beriels (taken as a plural), from Old English byrgels; akin to Old Saxon burgisli tomb, Old English byrgan to bury — more at bury

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of burial was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing burial

Rhymes for burial

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Browse Nearby Words

buri
burial
burial case
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Cite this Entry

“Burial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/burial. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

burial

noun
buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl How to pronounce burial (audio)
: the act of burying

More from Merriam-Webster on burial

Nglish: Translation of burial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burial

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