cemetery

noun

cem·​e·​tery ˈse-mə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce cemetery (audio)
-ˌte-rē
plural cemeteries
: a burial ground

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The audit also noted a Jewish cemetery in Waterbury that was vandalized with more than 12 gravestones desecrated. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025 Concord, South Dakota, has a paint store, a cemetery and four waterfowl protection areas. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 What Lejla thought was a place of cherished memories between father and daughter was, in fact, a silent cemetery. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 In another episode, cast member Kathryn Dennis shows off her family plantation, which includes a slave cemetery. Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cemetery

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cemetery was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Cemetery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cemetery. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cemetery

noun
cem·​e·​tery ˈsem-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce cemetery (audio)
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"

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