obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbi-chə-ˌwer-ē  ō- 

-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- 

-ˈbi-chə-rist

noun

obituary adjective

Synonyms

• necrology
• obit

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

His late grandfather, Nicholas Mangione Sr., made a name for the family developing real estate, including a 1,000-acre golf club and resort hotel, according to his obituary on FamilySearch.org. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

According to his obituary in The New York Times, Ramirez was exposed to extreme violence from a young age. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

In her 2012 obituary in the Journal Sentinel, Jim Abrahams shared a favorite anecdote about their movie time together. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

Hoffmann values local newspapers for their crucial role in society, covering everything from high school sports to city elections and significant life events like weddings and obituaries, which knit communities together. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

obituary

noun

obit·​u·​ary ə-ˈbich-ə-ˌwer-ē 

plural obituaries

: a notice of a person's death (as in a newspaper)

obituary adjective