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 number on his headstone was his prisoner number. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025 More than 100 headstones and monuments, some of which date back to the 1800s, were vandalized and damaged at a Connecticut cemetery this week, according to police. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2025 Police are investigating an incident at a Meriden cemetery where there was significant damage and vandalism done to headstones and monuments. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025 Wells said all of the headstones will be preserved. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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