cremation

American  

[kri-mey-shuhn] / krɪˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of reducing a dead body to ashes by fire, especially as a funeral rite.

   The others in the family want to have a private cremation, followed by a memorial service where we scatter the ashes.

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Etymology

Origin of cremation

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin cremātiōn-, stem of cremātiō; see cremate ( def. ), -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

That meant cutting off a coat’s emblem on the pocket, buttons and name tags in the lining, then taking what was left to a local funeral home for cremation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Lawrence Bennett wasn’t only a guardian of the green jackets — the iconic garment of Augusta National — but he also oversaw their cremation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

A county court hearing in May 2024 highlighted Bush had debts amounting to almost £55,000, including to local councils for unpaid cremation and burial fees.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

A process known as water cremation was recently legalised in Scotland as a new funeral process.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

After the cremation the scattering of Hari’s ashes over the Ganges would set his soul free by returning his body to fire, water, and earth.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

Related Words

• incineration