obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwer-ē How to pronounce obituary (audio) ō- How to pronounce obituary (audio)
-ˈbi-chə-rē
plural obituaries
: a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account
obituarist
ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwər-ist
ō- How to pronounce obituary (audio)
-ˈbi-chə-rist
noun
obituary adjective

Examples of obituary in a Sentence

I read her obituary in the newspaper. several obituaries for Herman Melville portrayed him as an obscure, largely forgotten author
Recent Examples on the Web Garcia battled addiction for 18 years, according to her obituary. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2024 Libby spent much of her time swimming as well as playing volleyball, softball and soccer, according to her obituary. Nicole Chavez, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 According to his obituary shared with PEOPLE, a few years later, Rakoff received a call from producers who were casting for the part of James Bond. Esther Kang, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 Violante was also committed to the community and to several local organizations, including as chair of the Royal Oak Boys and Girls Club, Lion’s Club, Oak Park School Board as well as other community charities, according to his obituary. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obituary 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obituary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin obituārium, noun derivative of Medieval Latin obituārius "of death, recording records or dates of death," from Latin obitu-, stem of obitus "death" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at obit

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obituary was in 1703

Dictionary Entries Near obituary

Cite this Entry

“Obituary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obituary. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

obituary

noun
obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbich-ə-ˌwer-ē How to pronounce obituary (audio)
plural obituaries
: a notice of a person's death (as in a newspaper)
obituary adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on obituary

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