cemetery

noun

cem·​e·​tery ˈse-mə-ˌter-ē 

-ˌte-rē

plural cemeteries

: a burial ground

Synonyms of cemetery

• graveyard

Examples of cemetery in a Sentence

many of the soldiers who died in the battle are buried in a cemetery nearby

Recent Examples on the Web

The isotopic signatures were also similar to those of other individuals buried in the cemetery but not especially unique. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Throughout Porter County, trees that have stood up to 100 years have collapsed in cemeteries, Topoll said. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

After at least 20 heists in Florida, a trio suspected of stealing family heirlooms and other valuables from cemeteries is now in custody. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

The remains were supposed to be cremated, returned to the donor's family or laid to rest in a cemetery, according to court documents. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cimitery, from Anglo-French cimiterie, from Late Latin coemeterium, from Greek koimētērion sleeping chamber, burial place, from koiman to put to sleep; akin to Greek keisthai to lie, Sanskrit śete he lies

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cemetery

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

cemetery

noun

cem·​e·​tery ˈsem-ə-ˌter-ē 

plural cemeteries

: a place where dead people are buried : graveyard

Etymology

Middle English cimitery "cemetery," from early French cimiterie (same meaning), from Latin coemeterium "cemetery," from Greek koimētērion "sleeping chamber, burial place," from koiman "to put to sleep"