noun

churchyard

CHURCH-yahd

Churchyard (noun) means the grounds surrounding a church, often used as a burial ground. Example: “Ivy crept over the old gravestones in the churchyard.”

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noun

The grounds surrounding a church, often used as a burial ground.

"Ivy crept over the old gravestones in the churchyard."

"They buried him in the churchyard next to his parents."

How to use churchyard

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe patch of land around a church, usually where the dead are buried.

Common pairings

buried in the churchyard churchyard gate

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: churchyards

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Ivy crept over the old gravestones in the _____.

Etymology

From church + yard, tracing back to Middle English chirch-ȝerd.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for churchyard

yard bayard lanyard vineyard junkyard backyard farmyard barnyard shipyard courtyard graveyard schoolyard

See all rhymes for churchyard →

Frequently asked questions

What does “churchyard” mean?

The word “churchyard” means the grounds surrounding a church, often used as a burial ground. In plain terms, the patch of land around a church, usually where the dead are buried.

How do you pronounce “churchyard”?

“Churchyard” is pronounced CHURCH-yahd (/ˈt͡ʃɝt͡ʃ.jɑɹd/ in IPA).

How do you use “churchyard” in a sentence?

Here is “churchyard” used in a sentence: “Ivy crept over the old gravestones in the churchyard.”

What part of speech is “churchyard”?

“Churchyard” is a noun.

Where does the word “churchyard” come from?

The word “churchyard” comes from Middle English. From church + yard, tracing back to Middle English chirch-ȝerd.