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 of obituary

• obit
• epitaph
• inscription
• memorial

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

Flaco the owl became a celebrity Central Park resident, with breathless news coverage of Flaco’s impressive self-preservation skills and, eventually, mournful obituaries when Flaco died after flying into a building. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Please read Andrew Joseph’s beautiful obituary all the way to the end. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026

Vaughn wrote his own obituary, filled with with his characteristic wit, weeks ago and his family posted it on his Facebook page on Monday. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Frakes and his wife, Ashley, have a second child due in March, according to the obituary. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026

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