burial

noun

buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl 

ˈbe-rē-,

 also  ˈbər-ē-

often attributive

1

: grave, tomb

2

: the act or process of burying

Synonyms

• burying
• entombing
• entombment
• inhumation
• interment
• interring
• obsequy
• obsequies
• sepulture

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

The Park Service warns that the most common technique to dispose of toilet paper, by way of burial, is easily exposed by weather or erosion and can be dug up animals looking nesting material. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024

In fact, research suggests more people die from sand burial suffocation than from shark attacks. —Stephen P. Leatherman, The Conversation, 9 July 2024

Rubenstein recommends laying the body in a position for burial. —Simmone Shah, TIME, 9 July 2024

Martin and his empire have been accused of overdrawing water, disturbing sacred burial sites and trying to force Native Hawaiian families off their land. —Sarah L. Voisin, Washington Post, 4 July 2024

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

Phrases Containing burial

• burial ground
• burial plot

Kids Definition

burial

noun

buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl 

: the act of burying