undertaker
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of undertaker
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at undertake, -er 1
Explanation
An undertaker is someone who prepares a body for burial or cremation. When a loved one dies, you'll have to visit an undertaker. An undertaker doesn't literally "take you under" after you die, but he or she does prepare your body for burial or cremation and assists a family with all aspects of funeral arrangements. If someone in your family dies, an undertaker can help you decide between burial and cremation. An undertaker can help plan a wake and the details of the funeral service. Undertakers help you select a coffin or urn. Of course, you will be making those choices for someone else — not for yourself.
Vocabulary lists containing undertaker
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
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The Stranger
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Bronx Masquerade
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Undertaker Robert Bush hoarded dozens of bodies and half a tonne of human ashes.
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
That signaled the return of The Undertaker, who rode out on his motorcycle and posed with Ripley.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2025
Ewers was named the game’s most outstanding player and was presented a custom-made title belt from WWE star The Undertaker.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2023
The Undertaker retires: 'There's been no one like him'
From BBC • Oct. 4, 2022
He’s got on a Junior Undertaker cloak too.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
