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Definition of cemetery

cemetery

/ˈsɛm.əˌtɛr.i/
cem · e · ter · y
Plural:cemeteries
•
Adjective:cemeterial
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cemetery Lexical Profile

cemetery Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large burial ground where the dead are interred, especially one that is not situated in a churchyard.

Example

"Every autumn, families walk through the historic cemetery to place fresh flowers on the graves of their ancestors."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cemetery

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with 'graveyard', a cemetery is typically a large standalone burial ground not attached to a church, whereas a graveyard specifically refers to a smaller burial ground adjoining a church.

• Nearby Words

celtuce
cement
cementlike
cemetery
cempedak
censor
censorable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'cimetiere', via Late Latin 'coemeterium', from Ancient Greek 'koimeterion' meaning 'sleeping place' or 'dormitory' (from 'koiman', 'to put to sleep'), adopted by early Christians as a euphemism for a burial ground.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cemetery. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cemetery
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