funeral

1 of 2

adjective

fu·​ner·​al ˈfyü-nə-rəl 

ˈfyün-rəl

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a funeral

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 matter of concern to one : worry

if you flunk, it's your funeral

Synonyms

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

According to the complaint, Espinoza’s wife, uncle and aunt were told by funeral staff that there was a mix-up regarding the viewing time and viewing arrangements. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025

Brock demands a jury trial and seeks damages for funeral and medical expenses, and for her pain and suffering, the suit says. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2025

Noun

Individuals entering the United States as organ or tissue donors, or those needing to attend the imminent death or funeral of a close family member, may also be exempt. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Andrew and Fergie, as Sarah is popularly known, recently made a public appearance alongside royal family members at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last month. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

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