pallbearer

noun

pall·​bear·​er ˈpȯl-ˌber-ər How to pronounce pallbearer (audio)
: a person who helps to carry the coffin at a funeral
also : a member of the escort or honor guard of the coffin who does not actually help to carry it

Examples of pallbearer in a Sentence

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.
In a TikTok posted Wednesday, the brand showed Duo being carried in a body bag by two other company mascots serving as pallbearers. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025 Reportedly, one of the pallbearers in this event spent $3K to have the casket shipped overnight. Matt Levine, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025 His remains now rest in a wooden casket that was carried and guarded by military pallbearers in impeccable dress uniforms, similar to the attire worn by the Naval Academy midshipmen who saluted him on Pennsylvania Avenue. Bill Barrow, The Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2025 Thirty-year-old Ronald Banks, who was a pallbearer, was fatally shot. Christine Pelisek, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pallbearer

Word History

Etymology

pall entry 2

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pallbearer was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Pallbearer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pallbearer. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pallbearer

noun
pall·​bear·​er ˈpȯl-ˌbar-ər How to pronounce pallbearer (audio)
-ˌber-
: a person who helps to carry the coffin at a funeral

More from Merriam-Webster on pallbearer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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