tumulus

noun tu·mu·lus \ ˈtü-myə-ləs , ˈtyü- , ˈtə- \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of tumulus

plural tumuli play \ˈtü-myə-ˌlī, -ˌlē, ˈtyü-, ˈtə-\

: an artificial hillock or mound (as over a grave); especially : an ancient grave : barrow

See tumulus defined for kids

Recent Examples of tumulus from the Web

Resembling an ancient burial mound known as a tumulus, Maropeng's entrance blends artfully with the grassland surroundings.

— Smithsonian, "Accessibility Navigation," 27 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tumulus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of tumulus

Middle English, from Latin; akin to Latin tumēre to swell — more at ¹thumb

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Learn More about tumulus

See words that rhyme with tumulus

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up tumulus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

play

widely and unfavorably known

BROWSE DICTIONARY

tumultuation

tumultuous

tumulus

tun

tuna

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games