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Definition of coffin

coffin

/ˈkɔː.fɪn/
cof · fin
Plural:coffins
•
Past Simple:coffined
•
Past Participle:coffined
•
Present Participle:coffining
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coffin Lexical Profile

coffin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A long, narrow box, typically made of wood, in which a dead body is placed for burial or cremation.

Example

"The pallbearers stepped forward to lift the heavy oak coffin and carry it down the aisle of the church."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for coffin

• verb

1

To place a dead body into a coffin.

Example

"The fallen soldier was respectfully washed and coffined before the family arrived to pay their final respects."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for coffin

Word Nuance & Usage

In North American English, a distinction is often made between a 'coffin' (which traditionally has six sides and is wider at the shoulders) and a 'casket' (which is rectangular with four sides).

• Rhymes for coffin

• Nearby Words

coffeetime
coffer
coffers
coffin
coffinfish
coffinmaker
cofound

Word Origin & Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 'cofin' (little basket), from Latin 'cophinus', from Greek 'kophinos' (basket).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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