burial
BEH-ree-uhl
Burial (noun) means the act of placing a dead body into the ground. Example: “Burial in the village churchyard is a tradition for many local families.”
noun
1
The act of placing a dead body into the ground.
"Burial in the village churchyard is a tradition for many local families."
"The burial took place on a quiet, grey afternoon with close friends present."
"The family held a small burial at the local cemetery."
How to use burial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ceremony or act of putting someone's body in the ground after death.
Common pairings
burial site
burial ground
live burial
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Word forms
- Plural
- burials
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_____ in the village churchyard is a tradition for many local families.
Etymology
From an Old English word related to "bury", though its ending was originally misread as a plural and reshaped into today's form.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for burial
See all rhymes for burial →Frequently asked questions
What does “burial” mean?
The word “burial” means the act of placing a dead body into the ground. In plain terms, the ceremony or act of putting someone's body in the ground after death.
How do you pronounce “burial”?
“Burial” is pronounced BEH-ree-uhl (/ˈbɛɹi.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “burial” in a sentence?
Here is “burial” used in a sentence: “The family held a small burial at the local cemetery.”
What part of speech is “burial”?
“Burial” is a noun.
Where does the word “burial” come from?
The word “burial” comes from Old English. From an Old English word related to "bury", though its ending was originally misread as a plural and reshaped into today's form.
Is “burial” a common word?
“Burial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "burial" and a "funeral"?
A burial is the act of placing a dead body into the ground. A funeral is the ceremony held to honor and remember the person who has died. A funeral may include a burial, but the two are not the same thing.
What is the difference between "burial" and "cremation"?
Burial places a dead body into the ground, while cremation reduces the body to ashes through intense heat. They are two different methods of handling a body after death, and a person may choose one or the other.
What is the difference between "burial" and "interment"?
Both words refer to placing a dead body in the ground, and they are close synonyms. "Interment" is the more formal term, often used in official or ceremonial contexts, while "burial" is the everyday word.
What words commonly go with "burial"?
Common collocations include "burial ground," "burial site," "burial plot," and "proper burial." The phrase "burial at sea" describes committing a body to the ocean rather than the ground.
