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noun Uncommon

coroner

KO-ruh-nuh

Coroner (noun) means an official who investigates and rules on the cause of unexplained or violent deaths. Example: “The coroner ruled the death accidental.”

noun
1
An official who investigates and rules on the cause of unexplained or violent deaths.
"The coroner ruled the death accidental."
"A coroner ordered an inquest into the factory explosion."

How to use coroner

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe official who determines how and why someone died, especially in sudden or suspicious cases.

Common pairings
coroner's report coroner's inquest county coroner

Word forms

coroners plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ ruled the death accidental.

Etymology

From Old French curuner, ultimately from Medieval Latin for "guardian of the crown's pleas" — the role began as a way of protecting the king's legal and financial interests.

Origin: Medieval Latin

medical examiner

Rhymes for coroner

See all rhymes for coroner →

Frequently asked questions

What does “coroner” mean?

The word “coroner” means an official who investigates and rules on the cause of unexplained or violent deaths. In plain terms, the official who determines how and why someone died, especially in sudden or suspicious cases.

How do you pronounce “coroner”?

“Coroner” is pronounced KO-ruh-nuh (/ˈkɔɹ.ə.nɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “coroner” in a sentence?

Here is “coroner” used in a sentence: “The coroner ruled the death accidental.”

What part of speech is “coroner”?

“Coroner” is a noun.

Where does the word “coroner” come from?

The word “coroner” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French curuner, ultimately from Medieval Latin for "guardian of the crown's pleas" — the role began as a way of protecting the king's legal and financial interests.

Is “coroner” a common word?

“Coroner” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial