cemetery

noun

cem·​e·​tery ˈse-mə-ˌter-ē 

-ˌte-rē

plural cemeteries

: a burial ground

Synonyms

• boneyard
• God's acre
• graveyard
• memorial park
• necropolis
• potter's field

Examples of cemetery in a Sentence

many of the soldiers who died in the battle are buried in a cemetery nearby

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite efforts to identify the unknown woman, deputies said her identity would remain a mystery, and she was eventually buried at the county’s cemetery. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024

Reyna Hernandez, a hair salon owner from Renton, Wash., was found dead in a cemetery in Mexicali, Mexico, in March, days after she was reported missing by her friends and family, PEOPLE reported previously, citing a statement from the Renton Police Department. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cimitery, from Anglo-French cimiterie, from Late Latin coemeterium, from Greek koimētērion sleeping chamber, burial place, from koiman to put to sleep; akin to Greek keisthai to lie, Sanskrit śete he lies

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cemetery

noun

cem·​e·​tery ˈsem-ə-ˌter-ē 

plural cemeteries

: a place where dead people are buried : graveyard

Etymology

Middle English cimitery "cemetery," from early French cimiterie (same meaning), from Latin coemeterium "cemetery," from Greek koimētērion "sleeping chamber, burial place," from koiman "to put to sleep"