obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwer-ē  ō- 

-ˈbi-chə-rē

plural obituaries

: a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account

obituarist

ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwər-ist

ō- 

-ˈbi-chə-rist

noun

obituary adjective

Synonyms

• necrology
• obit

Examples of obituary in a Sentence

I read her obituary in the newspaper.

several obituaries for Herman Melville portrayed him as an obscure, largely forgotten author

Recent Examples on the Web

Dale died on Thursday, April 24, according to an online obituary from a funeral home based in Bieber's hometown of Stratford, Ontario. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025

In addition to Justin, Dale’s obituary also mentioned the singer’s wife, Hailey, their son Jack Blues, Dale’s other children, and his wife, Diane. —Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2025

Miami Herald 305-376-3619 Miami Herald consumer trends reporter Howard Cohen, a 2017 Media Excellence Awards winner, has covered pop music, theater, health and fitness, obituaries, municipal government, breaking news and general assignment. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025

Read more from Newsweek 04:15 AM EDT Pope Francis obituary: Humble reformer who clashed with conservatives Pope Francis had battled health problems throughout his life with bravery and good humor. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin obituārium, noun derivative of Medieval Latin obituārius "of death, recording records or dates of death," from Latin obitu-, stem of obitus "death" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at obit

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for obituary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

Kids Definition

obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbich-ə-ˌwer-ē 

plural obituaries

: a notice of a person's death (as in a newspaper)

obituary adjective