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
  • Miami put the final nail in the coffin with a second goal from Messi in the 90th minute.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The nail in the coffin was Friday’s hotter-than-expected producer price index for February, as persistent inflation was added to the laundry list of unknowns.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was buried Monday in a shiny golden casket with enormous flower wreaths and a large military presence in the state that gave name to one of Mexico's most powerful cartels.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • As the casket was moved inside, the lines to enter the statehouse grew longer.
    Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The sheikh’s tomb blocks my vision.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
  • But from the tomb of Philip’s father, Charles V, comes a booming ghostly voice, and Carlo is led away into darkness.
    Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bier. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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