tumulus

noun

tu·​mu·​lus ˈtü-myə-ləs 

ˈtyü-,

ˈtə-

plural tumuli ˈtü-myə-ˌlī 

-ˌlē,

ˈtyü-,

ˈtə-

: an artificial hillock or mound (as over a grave)

especially : an ancient grave : barrow

Examples of tumulus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearby, the researchers found a 197- by 26-foot tumulus, or burial mound, and an extravagant array of Greek funerary goods likely left by merchants and mercenaries living in the area. —Isis Davis-Marks, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Aug. 2021

Another surprising discovery is a giant tumulus near the town of Amphipolis in northern Greece. —National Geographic, 8 Apr. 2019

The pressure may have pushed that tumulus to sea level. —Megan Friedman, Popular Mechanics, 16 July 2018

The running theory is that the island was a submarine tumulus created when the pressure of slow-moving lava lifts the crust above it. —Megan Friedman, Popular Mechanics, 16 July 2018

Resembling an ancient burial mound known as a tumulus, Maropeng's entrance blends artfully with the grassland surroundings. —Smithsonian, 27 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tumulus

noun

tu·​mu·​lus ˈt(y)ü-myə-ləs  ˈtəm-yə- 

plural tumuli -ˌlī 

-ˌlē

: a mound usually over an ancient grave