noun
Uncommon
graveyard
GRAYV-yahrd
Graveyard (noun) means an area of ground, often next to a church, where the dead are buried. Example: “We walked past the old graveyard on the way to church.”
noun
1
An area of ground, often next to a church, where the dead are buried.
"We walked past the old graveyard on the way to church."
2
Informal: a place where old or unused things end up, no longer useful.
"The warehouse became a graveyard for outdated computers."
How to use graveyard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA burial ground; also used figuratively for a place where old, unused things pile up.
Common mistake
"Graveyard shift" (very late-night work hours) is a common set phrase — it doesn't literally involve a graveyard.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
graveyard shift
car graveyard
old graveyard
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Word forms
- Plural
- graveyards
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We walked past the old _____ on the way to church.
Etymology
From grave + yard.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for graveyard
yard
bayard
lanyard
vineyard
junkyard
backyard
farmyard
barnyard
shipyard
courtyard
churchyard
schoolyard
See all rhymes for graveyard →
Frequently asked questions
What does “graveyard” mean?
The word “graveyard” means an area of ground, often next to a church, where the dead are buried. In plain terms, a burial ground; also used figuratively for a place where old, unused things pile up.
How do you pronounce “graveyard”?
“Graveyard” is pronounced GRAYV-yahrd (/ˈɡɹeɪvˌjɑɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “graveyard” in a sentence?
Here is “graveyard” used in a sentence: “We walked past the old graveyard on the way to church.”
What part of speech is “graveyard”?
“Graveyard” is a noun.
Is “graveyard” a common word?
“Graveyard” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “graveyard” have?
“Graveyard” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an area of ground, often next to a church, where the dead are buried.
What is the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery?
A graveyard is traditionally an area of ground next to a church where the dead are buried, while a cemetery is typically a larger burial ground not necessarily attached to a church. In everyday speech, the two words are often used interchangeably.
What does "graveyard" mean in phrases like "graveyard shift"?
In this informal sense, "graveyard" refers to a place where old or unused things end up, no longer useful. The phrase "graveyard shift," meaning overnight work hours, draws on this idea of something quiet, dark, or set apart, though it functions as its own fixed expression.
Can "graveyard" be used for things other than burial grounds?
Yes, "graveyard" is commonly used informally to describe a place where old or discarded items accumulate, such as a "graveyard of old cars" or a "software graveyard" for abandoned projects. This figurative use highlights something no longer functional or in use.
