Dictionary.com

burden

1
[ bur-dn ]
/ ˈbɜr dn /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: burden / burdened / burdening / burdens on Thesaurus.com

noun
verb (used with object)
to load heavily.
to load oppressively; trouble.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of burden

1
First recorded before 1000; Middle English, birthen, birden, Old English byrthen; akin to German Bürde, Gothic baurthei; see also bear1

synonym study for burden

1. See load.

OTHER WORDS FROM burden

bur·den·er, nounbur·den·less, adjective

Other definitions for burden (2 of 2)

burden2
[ bur-dn ]
/ ˈbɜr dn /

noun
the main point, message, or idea.
Music. the refrain or recurring chorus of a song.

Origin of burden

2
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English bordoun, burdoun “drone, bass,” from Old French bourdon “droning sound, instrument making such a sound”
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use burden in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for burden (1 of 2)

burden1
/ (ˈbɜːdən) /

noun
something that is carried; load
something that is exacting, oppressive, or difficult to bearthe burden of responsibility Related adjective: onerous
nautical
  1. the cargo capacity of a ship
  2. the weight of a ship's cargo
verb (tr)
(sometimes foll by up) to put or impose a burden on; load
to weigh down; oppressthe old woman was burdened with cares

Word Origin for burden

Old English byrthen; related to beran to bear 1, Old Frisian berthene burden, Old High German burdin

British Dictionary definitions for burden (2 of 2)

burden2
/ (ˈbɜːdən) /

noun
a line of words recurring at the end of each verse of a ballad or similar song; chorus or refrain
the principal or recurrent theme of a speech, book, etc
another word for bourdon

Word Origin for burden

C16: from Old French bourdon bass horn, droning sound, of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK