bereaved

1 of 2

adjective

be·​reaved bi-ˈrēvd How to pronounce bereaved (audio)
bē-
: suffering the death of a loved one
bereaved families of the victims

bereaved

2 of 2

noun

plural bereaved
: someone who is suffering the death of a loved one : one who is bereaved
comfort the bereaved

Examples of bereaved in a Sentence

Adjective the bereaved parents of the victims the grief of the bereaved parents seemed to be without limit
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.
Adjective
Some neighborhoods are blessed; others remain bereaved. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 The poor fell ow was panting like a bereaved porpoise and holding both hands over his heart. Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
The bereaved can heal, suicide prevention experts say, but their pain is often underestimated. Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2022 The bereaved had reached out to Jones, who plans to help them find an attorney to settle the issue. Shelia Poole, ajc, 19 Nov. 2021 See All Example Sentences for bereaved

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see bereave

Noun

see bereave

First Known Use

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bereaved was in 1702

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Cite this Entry

“Bereaved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bereaved. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bereaved

1 of 2 adjective
be·​reaved bi-ˈrēvd How to pronounce bereaved (audio)
: suffering the death of a loved one
bereaved family members

bereaved

2 of 2 noun
plural bereaved
: a person who is bereaved

More from Merriam-Webster on bereaved

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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