cemetery

noun

cem·​e·​tery ˈse-mə-ˌter-ē 

-ˌte-rē

plural cemeteries

: a burial ground

Synonyms

• boneyard
• God's acre
• graveyard
• memorial park
• necropolis
• potter's field

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

Spring Grove Cemetery in Spring Grove Village is one of the most historic cemeteries in the United States. —David Wysong, The Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2024

After the service, Sweeney takes the casket or urn to the cemetery for burial. —Mike Winters,gene Kim, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024

But what the Army turned over reveals almost nothing of substance about the confrontation that occurred at the nation's largest military cemetery. —Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2024

In one of the final scenes, the boys force their boss to dig graves for them at a seaside cemetery. —Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024

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

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"