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 The coffin was unveiled late on Thursday to a throng of sobbing supporters, who were swaying and beating their heads in time to a sung lament as flowers were thrown from the bier into the crowd. — Reuters, USA Today, 4 July 2026 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the bier of Kim Yong Nam on Tuesday to express condolences, and the funeral is scheduled for Thursday. — Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 While lying in state, the coffin was placed not on an elevated bier, but facing the pews. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 25 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 In the past, the pope's body would be displayed on an elevated frame known as a 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bier
Noun
  • In a sign of the respect the Duchess of Kent earned from the Royal Family, her coffin was transported in the Royal Hearse, designed by Queen Elizabeth II, and draped in the Royal Standard.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In Pryluky’s town square, hundreds gathered around the coffins.
    — Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Digger has been lowered in its casket and buried at the box office.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Bel’s closed casket was decorated with several photos of him, one of them in his high school cap and gown.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But there is very little archaeological evidence available, given that many of the earliest Egyptian tombs were plundered and/or hastily excavated.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Surviving Etruscan painted tombs in towns such as Tarquinia, Chiusi and Orvieto are known for their dynamic scenes of music, feasting and the afterlife.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bier. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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