tomb
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tomb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A structure or chamber, often built of stone, that holds the remains of the dead.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tomb
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French "tombe," from Latin "tumba," from Greek "τύμβος" (túmbos), meaning "burial mound" or "grave."
Full origin of tomb →Frequently asked questions
What does “tomb” mean?
The word “tomb” means a structure or chamber, often built of stone, that holds the remains of the dead. In plain terms, a burial chamber or grave for the dead, sometimes used figuratively to mean death.
How do you pronounce “tomb”?
“Tomb” is pronounced toom (/tum/ in IPA).
How do you use “tomb” in a sentence?
Here is “tomb” used in a sentence: “The pharaoh's tomb was filled with gold and treasure.”
What part of speech is “tomb”?
“Tomb” is a noun.
Where does the word “tomb” come from?
The word “tomb” comes from Latin. From Old French "tombe," from Latin "tumba," from Greek "τύμβος" (túmbos), meaning "burial mound" or "grave.".
Is “tomb” a common word?
“Tomb” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tomb” have?
“Tomb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure or chamber, often built of stone, that holds the remains of the dead.
What is the difference between a 'tomb' and a 'grave'?
A 'grave' is usually a hole dug in the ground for burial, often marked with a simple headstone. A 'tomb' is a built structure or chamber, frequently of stone, that holds the remains of the dead, and it is often larger and more permanent than a plain grave.
What is the difference between a 'tomb' and a 'crypt'?
A 'crypt' is specifically an underground chamber, often beneath a church, used for burial. A 'tomb' is the more general word for any structure or chamber holding the dead, whether above or below ground.
What is the difference between a 'tomb' and a 'mausoleum'?
A 'mausoleum' is a large, freestanding, above-ground building made to house one or more tombs. A 'tomb' is the broader term: every mausoleum contains a tomb, but not every tomb is a mausoleum.
What is the difference between a 'tomb' and a 'sarcophagus'?
A 'sarcophagus' is a stone coffin or container for a body, often carved and decorated. A 'tomb' is the wider structure or chamber that may hold a sarcophagus inside it.