burial

noun

buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl 

ˈbe-rē-,

 also  ˈbər-ē-

often attributive

1

: grave, tomb

2

: the act or process of burying

Synonyms

• burying
• entombing
• entombment
• inhumation
• interment
• interring
• obsequy
• obsequies
• sepulture

Examples of burial in a Sentence

They prepared the body for burial.

She wanted to give him a proper burial.

Did you attend the burial?

The law prohibits the burial of toxic substances without special permits.

Recent Examples on the Web

Family relations of Moche elite burials on the North Coast of Peru (~500 CE): Analyses of the Señora de Cao and relatives. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

Earlier research shows Neanderthals engaged in cultural rituals such as ornamental crafting, cave wall art, and even familial and social funeral burials. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024

This much is also clear, though: What for a chunk of Thursday night looked set to be a smooth ride into the postseason and a cathartic burial of Denver’s eight-year playoff drought suddenly feels a little bit bumpy. —Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2024

Arlington National Cemetary, for example, continues all services throughout a shutdown, including burial services, operations, and ceremonies. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beriel, berial, back-formation from beriels (taken as a plural), from Old English byrgels; akin to Old Saxon burgisli tomb, Old English byrgan to bury — more at bury

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing burial

• burial ground
• burial plot

Kids Definition

burial

noun

buri·​al ˈber-ē-əl 

: the act of burying