coroner

American  

[kawr-uh-ner, kor-] / ˈkɔr ə nər, ˈkɒr- /

noun

1. an officer, as of a county or municipality, whose chief function is to investigate by inquest, as before a jury, any death not clearly resulting from natural causes.

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coroner British  

/ ˈkɒrənə /

noun

1. a public official responsible for the investigation of violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths and inquiries into treasure trove. The investigation ( coroner's inquest ) is held in the presence of a jury ( coroner's jury ) See also procurator fiscal Compare medical examiner

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Other Word Forms

• coronership
  noun

Etymology

Origin of coroner

1225–75; Middle English < Anglo-French corouner supervisor of the Crown's pleas, equivalent to coroune crown + -er -er ²

Explanation

A coroner is a scientist with a grim specialty: a coroner studies dead bodies and figures out the cause of death. If you've ever watched a TV show or movie about crime, chances are you've seen a character who was a coroner. If someone dies of a heart attack, there's not much need for a coroner, because everyone knows how they died. When the circumstances are unclear or suspicious, a coroner is needed. Coroners are very helpful in solving crimes.

Example Sentences

The Putnam County Coroner confirmed in a report shared with The Times on Tuesday that the actor, best known for portraying the loyal and wisecracking Xander Harris, died of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Coroner Monica Chow said on Wednesday that the crash happened because of gross negligence by the coxswain from each vessel.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

The Sheriff’s Office is holding off on releasing the young man’s name until the County Coroner positively identifies the body, which had extensive injuries and no ID, Stine said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

John Taylor, the South London Coroner, told the jury that there was not sufficient evidence to conclude that Maria was assaulted on the ward, or that someone else had pushed socks into her airway.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025

“Mr. Coroner, I realize that this is not a trial. But the questions being asked now have no earthly relation to the cause and manner of the death of the deceased.”

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright