graveyard
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for graveyard, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An area of ground, often next to a church, where the dead are buried.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use graveyard
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From grave + yard.
Full origin of graveyard →Frequently asked questions
What does “graveyard” mean?
The word “graveyard” means an area of ground, often next to a church, where the dead are buried. In plain terms, a burial ground; also used figuratively for a place where old, unused things pile up.
How do you pronounce “graveyard”?
“Graveyard” is pronounced GRAYV-yahrd (/ˈɡɹeɪvˌjɑɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “graveyard” in a sentence?
Here is “graveyard” used in a sentence: “We walked past the old graveyard on the way to church.”
What part of speech is “graveyard”?
“Graveyard” is a noun.
Is “graveyard” a common word?
“Graveyard” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “graveyard” have?
“Graveyard” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an area of ground, often next to a church, where the dead are buried.
What is the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery?
A graveyard is traditionally an area of ground next to a church where the dead are buried, while a cemetery is typically a larger burial ground not necessarily attached to a church. In everyday speech, the two words are often used interchangeably.
What does "graveyard" mean in phrases like "graveyard shift"?
In this informal sense, "graveyard" refers to a place where old or unused things end up, no longer useful. The phrase "graveyard shift," meaning overnight work hours, draws on this idea of something quiet, dark, or set apart, though it functions as its own fixed expression.
Can "graveyard" be used for things other than burial grounds?
Yes, "graveyard" is commonly used informally to describe a place where old or discarded items accumulate, such as a "graveyard of old cars" or a "software graveyard" for abandoned projects. This figurative use highlights something no longer functional or in use.