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

One Navy veteran will also receive a traditional burial at sea, and additional urns will be reunited with family in Rhode Island, New York, and Maine. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024

With millennials leading chills, composting bills that expand the legalization of Natural Organic Reduction have been passed in 12 states, leading to greater ubiquity of green burial options at funeral homes. —Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Flashback: Lone Fir's first burial was in 1846, and the southeast Portland cemetery remains active today. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

Many parents opt for policies that cover only burial expenses and help lock in future insurability. —Juan Carlos Medina, Forbes, 23 Oct. 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