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Definition of coroner
coroner
/ˈkɔːrənər/
cor · o · ner
Plural:coroners
•Adjective:coronial
coroner Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
3
coroner Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A public official who investigates and certifies the cause of deaths that occur under sudden, violent, or suspicious circumstances, often by holding an official inquest.
Example
"The county coroner ruled that the cause of death was accidental after reviewing the toxicology reports."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for coronerWord Nuance & Usage
In the United States, a 'coroner' is often an elected public official who may not hold a medical degree, whereas a 'medical examiner' is an appointed physician and trained forensic pathologist.
• Rhymes for coroner
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Anglo-French 'corouner' ('officer of the crown'), ultimately derived from Latin 'corona' ('crown'), as the official originally represented the English monarch's judicial and financial interests in local districts.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Coroner. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/coroner