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.

---

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

---

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

Example Sentences

A coroner has raised concerns over the safety of barriers at Wembley Stadium after an Oasis fan fell to his death at one of the band's concerts.

From BBC

A report will be prepared by the coroner to officially determine the identity of the remains.

From BBC

The court is expected to hear evidence from medical experts and hospital representatives as the coroner seeks to establish the circumstances and cause of Nkanu's death.

From BBC

The coroner's inquest - that would conclusively lay out the details of the officers' deaths - is also expected to be delayed indefinitely, according to national paper The Australian.

From BBC

Officials with the coroner’s office for San Mateo County declined to share any possible cause or manner of death in the case.

From Los Angeles Times