headstone

noun

head·​stone ˈhed-ˌstōn How to pronounce headstone (audio)
: a memorial stone at the head of a grave

Examples of headstone in a Sentence

many of the headstones were for children who had died during the influenza epidemic
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.
The bronze headstone of his grave in nearby Warrensburg also speaks to his proud military service. Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2024 Cub Scout Pack 238 placed and / or replaced unserviceable American Flags at the headstones of all Veterans in honor of Veterans Day, after an opening Ceremony with color guard from the Sons of the American Revolution at Bel Air Memorial Gardens Sunday. The Aegis, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024 Two white wrought iron garden chairs sit on either side of his headstone for peaceful reflection. Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024 Hope's early settlers built a church, businesses and God's Acre, the oldest section of the Moravian Cemetery where the flat headstones symbolize that everyone is equal in death. Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for headstone 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headstone was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near headstone

Cite this Entry

“Headstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headstone. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

headstone

noun
head·​stone -ˌstōn How to pronounce headstone (audio)
: a memorial stone placed at the head of a grave

More from Merriam-Webster on headstone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!