tombstone

noun

tomb·​stone ˈtüm-ˌstōn How to pronounce tombstone (audio)

Examples of tombstone in a Sentence

the historic cemetery's many tombstones marking the graves of children are telling reminders of the harshness of pioneer life
Recent Examples on the Web
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The tombstone, which was cracked, was taken in four pieces to the Archaeological Museum in Gdańsk, where experts are now working to conserve it. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025 The ornate tombstone and bones of an adult male were remarkably well-preserved and date back to the 13th or 14th century. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 The 96-year-old pointed to the tombstone of his grandfather, who was freed after being a slave. Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 But researchers hope the tombstone and skeleton will offer up more clues about who the man was. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tombstone

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tombstone was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Tombstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tombstone. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

tombstone

noun
tomb·​stone ˈtüm-ˌstōn How to pronounce tombstone (audio)

Geographical Definition

Tombstone

geographical name

Tomb·​stone ˈtüm-ˌstōn How to pronounce Tombstone (audio)
city in the southeastern corner of Arizona population 1380

Note: Tombstone was site of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881.

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