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.
On a recent Thursday afternoon, the snow had just melted enough to reveal headstones embedded in the cold ground, but the gravel paths are still slick with ice. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2025 There’s an adage that says what matters most on a headstone is not the date of birth or date of death but the dash between the years. Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025 Her headstone is not far from that of Lizzie Borden, and doesn't seem to attract much attention. Melissa Gray, NPR, 26 Jan. 2025 One of the headstones belongs to Elsa Dutton (Isabel May,) star of Yellowstone spin-off 1883. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 16 Dec. 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 Feb. 2025.

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
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