bier

Definition of biernext
as in coffin
a boxlike container for holding a dead body lifted the bier from its stand and placed it in the hearse for its final journey

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bier While lying in state, the coffin was placed not on an elevated bier, but facing the pews. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025 Inside the 16th-century basilica, his casket won't be put on an elevated bier—as was the case with past popes—but will just be placed on the main alta, simply facing the pews. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 Last year, Francis approved new funeral rites stating his body should be on view in a simple coffin rather than being placed on an elevated bier, per the Associated Press. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 But, under the new funeral structure, the pope will be laid directly into an open coffin, eliminating the use of the bier. Alec Schemmel, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The German microbrewery/restaurant has installed new TVs in its bier hall and at the bar for your viewing pleasure. Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025 The Senate may well have all been murdered on Lucilla’s weird, theater-y funeral bier. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 2024 Among the changes, the new rites eliminate the practice of placing the pope on an elevated bier in St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bier
Noun
  • But Karlie’s friendship with Scooter Braun was said to be the final nail in the coffin of their friendship.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 June 2026
  • Rolling around inside my coffin would be a gigantic ball of hair trussed by a Möbius strip of fingernail.
    Esther Yi, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Petrescu looked over at Vidineac, who was weeping as the casket was lowered into the ground.
    Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • In order for Nancy and John to be buried in the same casket, the family had to wait for special permission from a probate court.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Sergei Diaghilev’s production of Cléopâtre for Les Ballets Russes from 1909 and Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 fueled the beginning of the jeweler’s enchanting creations inspired by the lost civilization.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
  • Before Wednesday's service, Pope Leo lit a candle and prayed at the tomb of Gaudí in the basilica's crypt.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bier. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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