funeral

1 of 2

adjective

fu·​ner·​al ˈfyü-nə-rəl 

ˈfyün-rəl

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a funeral

funeral rites

2

: funereal sense 2

funeral

2 of 2

noun

1

: the observances held for a dead person usually before burial or cremation

2

chiefly dialectal : a funeral sermon

3

: a funeral procession

4

: an end of something's existence

5

: a situation for which one will have to suffer the consequences

If you flunk, it's your funeral.

Synonyms of funeral

Adjective

• weeping
• mournful
• grieving
• heartbroken
• wailing
• bitter

Examples of funeral in a Sentence

Adjective

a slow and heavy funeral song

Noun

Only family attended the funeral.

His funeral will be held on Friday.

His cousin made the funeral arrangements.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At his San Francisco tour opener and other stops, Burke went all in on a funeral theme. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026

Rather than a celebration, the film plays more like a funeral procession, or perhaps a bedside vigil for a man who has, indeed, seemingly sacrificed his life in pursuit of his art. — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026

Noun

William Simms Simms Family There are online fundraisers set up to help the families cover the costs of funerals as well as other expenses. — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

The petition claims that Dobbs attended a friend’s funeral the day of the shooting and spent time with family and friends afterward, several of whom were available to testify about his whereabouts. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin funeralis, from Latin funer-, funus funeral (noun)

Noun

Middle English funerelles (plural), from Middle French funerailles (plural), from Medieval Latin funeralia (plural), from Late Latin, neuter plural of funeralis, adjective

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing funeral

• funeral director
• funeral home
• it's (someone's) funeral

Kids Definition

funeral

noun

fu·​ner·​al

ˈfyün-(ə-)rəl

: the ceremonies held for a dead person (as before burial)

funeral adjective