coroner

noun

cor·​o·​ner ˈkȯr-ə-nər 

ˈkär-

: a usually elected public officer who is typically not required to have specific medical qualifications and whose principal duty is to inquire by an inquest into the cause of any death which there is reason to suppose is not due to natural causes compare medical examiner

Examples of coroner in a Sentence

The coroner examined the body but found no evidence of foul play.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2023, 325 homeless people died in Sacramento, according to data from the coroner’s office and compiled by The Bee. —Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2025

The coroner's office added that the investigation into Ackerman's death is ongoing. Clemson University confirmed to FOX Carolina that Ackerman was one of their students. —Stepheny Price, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

The coroner’s office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Rutherford said the coroner’s office used clothing and dental records to extract DNA and confirm Baker’s identity. —Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English corowner, coronour "local officer of the crown charged with supervision of royal pleas," borrowed from Anglo-French coroner, corouner, from corone, coroune crown entry 1 + -er -er entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

coroner

noun

cor·​o·​ner ˈkȯr-ə-nər 

ˈkär-

: a public officer whose chief duty is to discover the cause of any death possibly not due to natural causes

Medical Definition

coroner

noun

cor·​o·​ner ˈkȯr-ə-nər, ˈkär- 

: a usually elected public officer who is typically not required to have specific medical qualifications and whose principal duty is to inquire by an inquest into the cause of any death which there is reason to suppose is not due to natural causes see medical examiner sense 1

Legal Definition

coroner

noun

cor·​o·​ner ˈkȯr-ə-nər 

: a public officer whose principal duty is to inquire by an inquest into the cause of death when there is reason to think the death may not be due to natural causes

Etymology

Anglo-French, recorder of crown pleas, from corone crown