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

These rules are set to protect public health, ensure human remains are treated respectfully and prevent disrespectful acts on cemetery grounds. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025

Ofrendas and cemeteries are typically adorned with flowers, which are believed to guide the spirits back to the living world due to their vibrant colors and strong scent. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025

Going to the cemetery was the first day. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025

There are at least 150 cemeteries inside the park, according to the book Cemeteries of the Smokies. —Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025

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
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

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"