funeral

1 of 2

adjective

fu·​ner·​al ˈfyü-nə-rəl 

ˈfyün-rəl

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a funeral

funeral rites

2

: funereal sense 2

funeral

2 of 2

noun

1

: the observances held for a dead person usually before burial or cremation

2

chiefly dialectal : a funeral sermon

3

: a funeral procession

4

: an end of something's existence

5

: a situation for which one will have to suffer the consequences

If you flunk, it's your funeral.

Synonyms of funeral

Adjective

• weeping
• mournful
• grieving
• heartbroken
• wailing
• bitter

Examples of funeral in a Sentence

Adjective

a slow and heavy funeral song

Noun

Only family attended the funeral.

His funeral will be held on Friday.

His cousin made the funeral arrangements.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The burial ceremony will comprise of a two-day farewell to the slain former leader in Tehran and a funeral procession through the capital. —Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Christ Temple Apostolic Church-Sacramento said her family is still arranging funeral details and did not share when the service would be. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026

Noun

In the years since, Harry, 41, has made several short trips back to the UK, most notably attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and his father King Charles III’s coronation in 2023. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

Cheryl has a daughter with her current husband, and the family gathers at the funeral for Lenny, David’s father, who died of colon cancer. —Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin funeralis, from Latin funer-, funus funeral (noun)

Noun

Middle English funerelles (plural), from Middle French funerailles (plural), from Medieval Latin funeralia (plural), from Late Latin, neuter plural of funeralis, adjective

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing funeral

• funeral director
• funeral home
• it's (someone's) funeral

Kids Definition

funeral

noun

fu·​ner·​al

ˈfyün-(ə-)rəl

: the ceremonies held for a dead person (as before burial)

funeral adjective