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

At the inquest at Brighton & Hove Coroner's Court on Friday, senior coroner Penelope Schofield offered her condolences to their father Joseph, who attended via a remote link.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Kent Police said: "His death is not being treated as suspicious at this time and a report will be prepared for the coroner."

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious, and a file would be passed in due course to the coroner.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

It said it will now prepare a report for the coroner on the "sudden and non-suspicious" death.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

The coroner rapped for order, then rose and stepped to the table and with one sweep of his arm flung the sheet back from Bessie’s body.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright