headstone

noun

head·​stone ˈhed-ˌstōn How to pronounce headstone (audio)
: a memorial stone at the head of a grave

Examples of headstone in a Sentence

many of the headstones were for children who had died during the influenza epidemic
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The slate, granite and marble headstones were shinier, with English letters and Chinese characters. Erika Hayasaki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025 Johnson knew of the cemetery and recalls going to the park to occasionally read headstones. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025 Likely, believes Feldman, who, in 2007, bought headstones for both. Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 For generations, his grave has been marked by an erroneous headstone with a Latin cross, not a Star of David, something Eiferman learned only recently. Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headstone

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headstone was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Headstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headstone. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

headstone

noun
head·​stone -ˌstōn How to pronounce headstone (audio)
: a memorial stone placed at the head of a grave

More from Merriam-Webster on headstone

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