noun
epitaph
EHP-ih-tahf
Epitaph (noun) means Words inscribed on a gravestone or tomb in memory of the person buried there. Example: “Her epitaph simply read, "She loved fiercely and lived well.”
noun
1
Words inscribed on a gravestone or tomb in memory of the person buried there.
"Her epitaph simply read, "She loved fiercely and lived well.""
"The old churchyard is full of weathered epitaphs dating back centuries."
How to use epitaph
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe short memorial text carved on a gravestone (or, loosely, any brief tribute written after someone's death).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
write an epitaph
carved epitaph
fitting epitaph
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like epitaph.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- epitaphs
- Third person singular
- epitaphs
- Past tense
- epitaphed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ simply read, "She loved fiercely and lived well."
Etymology
From Greek epitáphios, "over a tomb" — from epi- ("over") + táphos ("tomb").
Frequently asked questions
What does “epitaph” mean?
The word “epitaph” means words inscribed on a gravestone or tomb in memory of the person buried there. In plain terms, the short memorial text carved on a gravestone (or, loosely, any brief tribute written after someone's death).
How do you pronounce “epitaph”?
“Epitaph” is pronounced EHP-ih-tahf (/ˈɛp.ɪˌtæf/ in IPA).
How do you use “epitaph” in a sentence?
Here is “epitaph” used in a sentence: “Her epitaph simply read, "She loved fiercely and lived well.".”
What part of speech is “epitaph”?
“Epitaph” is a noun.
Where does the word “epitaph” come from?
The word “epitaph” comes from Greek. From Greek epitáphios, "over a tomb" — from epi- ("over") + táphos ("tomb").
