lie in state
idiom
of the body of a famous leader
: displayed in a coffin in a public place so that people can view it and show respect
Examples of lie in state in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bond will lie in state in the rotunda for 24 hours following the service.
—
Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Until his funeral this weekend, Francis’ body, adorned in his papal vestments, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
The public has had the chance to pay their respects to the Pope after his body was moved to the basilica to lie in state.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
Francis' body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica until Friday evening – allowing the faithful three days to pay their respects to the pontiff.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lie in state
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Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Until his funeral this weekend, Francis’ body, adorned in his papal vestments, will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
The public has had the chance to pay their respects to the Pope after his body was moved to the basilica to lie in state.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
Francis' body will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica until Friday evening – allowing the faithful three days to pay their respects to the pontiff.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lie in state
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Lay vs. Lie
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Cite this Entry
“Lie in state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lie%20in%20state. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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