burial

American  

[ber-ee-uhl] / ˈbɛr i əl /

noun

1. the act or ceremony of burying.

2. the place of burying; grave.

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burial British  

/ ˈbɛrɪəl /

noun

1. the act of burying, esp the interment of a dead body

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Other Word Forms

• reburial noun

Etymology

Origin of burial

First recorded in 1200–50; bury + -al ²; replacing Middle English buriel, back formation from Old English byrgels “burial place,” from byrg(an) “to bury” + -els(e), noun suffix ( riddle ¹ )

Example Sentences

The pope will personally carry the cross through all 14 stations retracing Christ's journey, from his condemnation to his crucifixion and to his burial, according to Vatican sources.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

After decades working in mortuaries, a campaigner hopes to provide the UK's first human composting service as an alternative to cremation or burial.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The legislation prohibits the use of residential properties "specifically for the placement of ashes" as well as the burial of remains outside of cemeteries and areas where ecological burial is legal.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

It illuminates not just burial rites but artists’ ingenuity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Hale frequently came by Mollie’s house to collect Ernest, and not long after Anna’s burial Hale showed up to pay his respects to Mollie and her mother.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• funeral
• interment