funeral

1 of 2

adjective

fu·​ner·​al ˈfyü-nə-rəl How to pronounce funeral (audio)
ˈfyün-rəl
Synonyms of funeralnext
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a funeral
funeral rites
2
: funereal sense 2

funeral

2 of 2

noun

1
: the observances held for a dead person usually before burial or cremation
2
chiefly dialectal : a funeral sermon
3
: a funeral procession
4
: an end of something's existence
5
: a situation for which one will have to suffer the consequences
If you flunk, it's your funeral.

Synonyms of funeral

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Adjective

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Examples of funeral in a Sentence

Adjective a slow and heavy funeral song Noun Only family attended the funeral. His funeral will be held on Friday. His cousin made the funeral arrangements.
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.
Adjective
Congress will honor the late senator at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda next week followed by a funeral procession in South Carolina. — Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 21 July 2026 An online fundraiser has been created to help cover the funeral and medical expenses of an Elgin man who died from injuries suffered in a July 4 fireworks accident in Wisconsin. — Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Noun
For instance, the late Senator’s family has invited the public to pay their respects during the procession leading Graham’s remains to the South Carolina State House, as well as to attend the funeral service at First Baptist Church of Columbia. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 22 July 2026 Half the sum will be covered by the actor and producer Tyler Perry, who also paid for the funeral, Sharpton noted. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for funeral

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin funeralis, from Latin funer-, funus funeral (noun)

Noun

Middle English funerelles (plural), from Middle French funerailles (plural), from Medieval Latin funeralia (plural), from Late Latin, neuter plural of funeralis, adjective

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of funeral was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing funeral

Browse Nearby Words

funebrious
funeral
funeral car
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

funeral

noun
fu·​ner·​al
ˈfyün-(ə-)rəl
: the ceremonies held for a dead person (as before burial)
funeral adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on funeral

Nglish: Translation of funeral for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about funeral

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