obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwer-ē How to pronounce obituary (audio) ō- How to pronounce obituary (audio)
-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- How to pronounce obituary (audio)
-ˈbi-chə-rist
noun
obituary adjective

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
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.
Vasquez worked several law enforcement and security jobs, including as a detention officer for the Kansas City police, before becoming an NKC officer in July 2021 after graduating from the Regional Police Academy, according to his obituary. Pj Green october 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025 According to an obituary published by GoLocalProv, Joan died peacefully in her Boston home. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 Weaver left behind his parents, four sisters, and many other family members and friends, according to his obituary. Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Oct. 2025 Her mother, Judith Bartell, was volunteer captain of the Palo Cedro Fire Hall, according to her 2019 obituary. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obituary

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of obituary was in 1703

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obituary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obituary. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

obituary

noun
obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbich-ə-ˌwer-ē How to pronounce obituary (audio)
plural obituaries
: a notice of a person's death (as in a newspaper)
obituary adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on obituary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!