verb

cremate

krih-MAYT

Cremate (verb) means to reduce a dead body to ashes by burning, as an alternative to burial. Example: “She asked to be cremated rather than buried.”

verb

To reduce a dead body to ashes by burning, as an alternative to burial.

"She asked to be cremated rather than buried."

How to use cremate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo dispose of a body by burning it.

Common pairings

cremated remains choose to be cremated

Word forms

cremated past tense, cremates singular

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Fill the gap

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She asked to be _____ rather than buried.

Etymology

From Latin cremare, "to burn up", first used in English in this sense in the late 19th century.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1800

Class of 1800 cremate joined the language around 1800.

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Rhymes for cremate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “cremate” mean?

The word “cremate” means to reduce a dead body to ashes by burning, as an alternative to burial. In plain terms, to dispose of a body by burning it.

How do you pronounce “cremate”?

“Cremate” is pronounced krih-MAYT (/ˈkɹimeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “cremate” in a sentence?

Here is “cremate” used in a sentence: “She asked to be cremated rather than buried.”

What part of speech is “cremate”?

“Cremate” is a verb.

Where does the word “cremate” come from?

The word “cremate” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Latin. From Latin cremare, "to burn up", first used in English in this sense in the late 19th century.