burial

noun

buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl 

ˈbe-rē-,

 also  ˈbər-ē-

often attributive

1

: grave, tomb

2

: the act or process of burying

Synonyms

• burying
• entombing
• entombment
• inhumation
• interment
• interring
• obsequy
• obsequies
• sepulture

Examples of burial in a Sentence

They prepared the body for burial.

She wanted to give him a proper burial.

Did you attend the burial?

The law prohibits the burial of toxic substances without special permits.

Recent Examples on the Web

The family came to an agreement last May that gave Priscilla Presley burial rights at Graceland, a $1-million lump-sum payment and an advisory role relating to Elvis Presley Enterprises. —Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024

After the burial, the living can come by the grave, log into an app for security, and see how much of the flesh has rotted away on a screen embedded in the tombstone. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beriel, berial, back-formation from beriels (taken as a plural), from Old English byrgels; akin to Old Saxon burgisli tomb, Old English byrgan to bury — more at bury

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing burial

• burial ground
• burial plot

Kids Definition

burial

noun

buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl 

: the act of burying